Athletic Trainer Salary in Kearny, NJ: $72,901 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Kearny, NJ earns a median $72,901/year (≈ $35.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Kearny's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $63,282 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The athletic trainer salary in Kearny, NJ, is projected to reach a median annual income of $72,901 by 2026. This figure represents an increase compared to the national median of $65,415, highlighting the area's competitive compensation landscape for athletic trainers following the 2022 master's degree transition now required for entry-level positions. Salaries for athletic trainers in Kearny will range from $60,798 at the 10th percentile to $101,677 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse range of earning potential depending on experience and workplace. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, which takes into account regional cost adjustments, accentuating the local nuances of the job market in Kearny.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,798 | $29.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,901 | $32.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,901 | $35.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,234 | $40.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,677 | $48.88 |
Median Salary Position
11.44% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearny
In Kearny, NJ, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,879 (2026 est.). At $72,901, the local median is 11.44% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kearny: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearny Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Kearny median: $72,901/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearny Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $75,389 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +11.44% more |
Athletic Trainers in Kearny, NJ earn a median of $72,901 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.44% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $75,389.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearny has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kearny, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,901 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,282 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,984
2025 BLS Actual
$69,675
2026 Current Est.
$72,901
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,984 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,566 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,961 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,002 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,560 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,553 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,675 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,901 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,276 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearny metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $53,984 (2019) to $69,675 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,276 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,292 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearny 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) | $60,798 – $66,901 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,901 – $72,901 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,901 – $84,234 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,234 – $101,677 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Kearny
With 11 athletic trainers currently employed in the Kearny area, job prospects appear stable but modest relative to larger markets. The cost of living index at 115.2 suggests that while salaries are competitive, purchasing power may be impacted by higher living costs. Opportunities in the area can vary significantly, with secondary schools typically offering lower pay compared to collegiate or professional sports settings, where salaries tend to be more lucrative. The disparity between low and high salaries is driven by various factors, such as job settings, whether contracts are year-round or linked to the school year, and additional stipends for weekend or evening events. For athletic trainers seeking to maximize their income in Kearny, pursuing specialized certifications and actively seeking roles in industrial or professional sports settings may provide significant advantages.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
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 $69,675 for athletic trainersin the Kearny 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 Kearny 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