Athletic Trainer Salary in Montclair, NJ: $74,615 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Montclair, NJ earns a median $74,615/year (≈ $35.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Montclair's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $64,770 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Montclair, New Jersey, can expect an average annual salary of $74,615, significantly above the national median of $65,415. The salary ranges from $58,723 at the lower end (P10) to $100,454 at the high end (P90), indicating notable earning potential for experienced professionals. This local salary projection is derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic factors. The 2022 transition to a master's degree as the required entry-level degree for athletic training has reshaped the compensation landscape in Montclair, reflecting the growing demand for advanced qualifications in this field. With ten athletic trainers currently employed in the area, Montclair's job market presents opportunities that align with the evolving standards of the profession.
About the Montclair Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,723 | $28.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,947 | $33.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,615 | $35.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,645 | $41.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,454 | $48.30 |
Median Salary Position
14.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montclair
In Montclair, NJ, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,731 (2026 est.). At $74,615, the local median is 14.06% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Montclair: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Montclair Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Montclair median: $74,615/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Montclair Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $75,368 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +14.06% more |
Athletic Trainers in Montclair, NJ earn a median of $74,615 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.06% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.00% below the New Jersey state average of $75,368.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Montclair has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Montclair, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,615 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,770 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,253
2025 BLS Actual
$71,313
2026 Current Est.
$74,615
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Montclair (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,253 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,872 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,230 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,412 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,077 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,282 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,313 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,615 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,069 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montclair metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $55,253 (2019) to $71,313 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,069 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,816 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montclair 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) | $58,723 – $68,947 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,947 – $74,615 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,615 – $86,645 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,645 – $100,454 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Montclair
The job market environment for athletic trainers in Montclair is competitive, with the local employment of only ten trainers creating a close-knit community within this profession. However, Montclair’s cost of living index stands at 115.2, indicating that while salaries may be higher, the expenses associated with living in the area are also elevated. This factor can influence take-home purchasing power significantly. Employers in Montclair that tend to offer the highest salaries include secondary schools, colleges, and outpatient clinics, with professional sports settings generally providing the top compensation. Factors contributing to variations in pay include the working environment, such as whether trainers are employed by schools versus those in industrial settings, the role's responsibilities, and additional certifications. Those in head athletic trainer positions and year-round contracts generally earn more compared to their colleagues in assistant roles or seasonal contracts. For trainers looking to maximize their athletic trainer salary in Montclair, pursuing specialized certifications and seeking positions in higher-paying environments will be beneficial strategies.
More salary data for Montclair, 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 $71,313 for athletic trainersin the Montclair 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 Montclair 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