Athletic Trainer Salary in North Platte, NE: $55,658 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in North Platte, NE earns a median $55,658/year (≈ $26.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in North Platte's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $60,828 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in North Platte, Nebraska, can expect a median annual salary of $55,658, which is notably lower than the national median of $65,415. The compensation range for these professionals varies significantly, with entry-level salaries at approximately $46,952 and more experienced trainers potentially earning up to $74,549. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and reflect regional cost adjustments in North Platte's economic landscape. The job market for athletic trainers here is characterized by a mix of school-year contracts typically found in secondary education and year-round positions within industrial settings. This distinction can heavily influence overall earning potential for athletic trainers in the area, offering insights into local employment opportunities.
About the North Platte Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,952 | $22.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,329 | $24.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,658 | $26.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,821 | $31.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,549 | $35.84 |
Median Salary Position
14.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Platte
In North Platte, NE, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,597 (2026 est.). At $55,658, the local median is 14.92% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Platte: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Platte Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
North Platte median: $55,658/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Platte Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $59,847 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -14.92% less |
Athletic Trainers in North Platte, NE earn a median of $55,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.92% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.00% below the Nebraska state average of $59,847.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Platte has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Platte, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $55,658 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,828 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,215
2025 BLS Actual
$53,195
2026 Current Est.
$55,658
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in North Platte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,215 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,423 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,198 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,244 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,195 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,658 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,235 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Platte metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $41,215 (2019) to $53,195 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,235 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,020 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Platte metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $46,952 – $51,329 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,329 – $55,658 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,658 – $64,821 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,821 – $74,549 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in North Platte
With only four athletic trainers currently employed in North Platte, the local job market may appear limited, but the competitive compensation landscape is driven by the regional cost of living, which indexes at 91.5—below the national average of 100. This lower cost of living can enhance the purchasing power of those in the profession. Among the primary employers in the area, industrial settings often yield the highest salaries, surpassing those in secondary schools and colleges. Factors contributing to pay variability include the nature of the work environment—professional sports roles typically command higher salaries compared to academic positions—contract duration (school-year versus year-round), and additional certifications that can enhance job prospects and increase salary potential. For optimal earnings, aspiring athletic trainers in North Platte should consider pursuing roles in industrial health or obtaining advanced certifications, as these can significantly elevate their pay within this specific market.
More salary data for North Platte, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $53,195 for athletic trainersin the North Platte metropolitan area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Platte is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for athletic trainers (SOC 29-9091).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov