Athletic Trainer Salary in Manchester, NJ: $72,596 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Manchester, NJ earns a median $72,596/year (≈ $34.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $63,017 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Athletic trainers in Manchester, NJ, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $72,596 in 2026, reflecting a more favorable compensation landscape compared to the national figure of $65,415. This local estimate is influenced by regional cost adjustments, with salaries ranging from $59,817 at the 10th percentile to $103,461 at the 90th percentile. The higher salaries in this market often correspond with longer contracts and year-round positions, as opposed to contract agreements typically seen in secondary schools. With the average annual pay significantly exceeding the national average, those pursuing an athletic trainer career in Manchester can expect competitive compensation that aligns closely with regional athletic training demands.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,817 | $28.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,254 | $31.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,596 | $34.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,499 | $40.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,461 | $49.74 |
Median Salary Position
10.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, NJ, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,644 (2026 est.). At $72,596, the local median is 10.98% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Manchester median: $72,596/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $75,386 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +10.98% more |
Athletic Trainers in Manchester, NJ earn a median of $72,596 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.98% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.70% below the New Jersey state average of $75,386.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,596 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,017 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,758
2025 BLS Actual
$69,384
2026 Current Est.
$72,596
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,758 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,334 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,736 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,751 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,247 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,384 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,596 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,958 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $53,758 (2019) to $69,384 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,958 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,200 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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) | $59,817 – $66,254 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,254 – $72,596 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,596 – $83,499 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,499 – $103,461 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Manchester
The job market for athletic trainers in Manchester remains small yet robust, with only nine professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index, sitting at 115.2, implies that while salaries are competitive, the local purchasing power may be impacted. In Manchester, those in settings such as industrial health—working for employers like Toyota or FedEx—tend to see higher pay as compared to school-based athletic trainers, primarily due to year-round contracts and the specialized nature of the work. Factors driving salary variability include the differences between professional practice settings and academic institutions, as well as added stipends for evening or weekend events. Aspiring athletic trainers should also consider obtaining additional certifications, such as CSCS or OCS-AT, to enhance their marketability and potential earnings in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Manchester, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Manchester, NJ in 2026?
Is Manchester, NJ a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Manchester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Manchester?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Manchester?
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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 $69,384 for athletic trainersin the Manchester 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 Manchester 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