Athletic Trainer Salary in Union City, NJ: $74,321 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Union City, NJ earns a median $74,321/year (≈ $35.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Union City's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $64,515 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Union City, New Jersey, the projected median salary for athletic trainers in 2026 stands at $74,321, which is notably higher than the national median of $65,415. The local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $60,066 (P10) and reaching up to $106,935 (P90) for those in more advanced roles. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, with adjustments for local cost of living factors. The city's athletic training sector is characterized by a blend of industrial and educational settings, leading to considerable pay disparities. As demand for skilled professionals in these varying contexts continues to grow, Union City's job market remains promising for aspiring athletic trainers.
About the Union City Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,066 | $28.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,073 | $32.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,321 | $35.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,897 | $43.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,935 | $51.42 |
Median Salary Position
13.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Union City
In Union City, NJ, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,869 (2026 est.). At $74,321, the local median is 13.61% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Union City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Union City Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Union City median: $74,321/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Union City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $75,376 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +13.61% more |
Athletic Trainers in Union City, NJ earn a median of $74,321 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.61% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $75,376.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Union City has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Union City, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,321 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,515 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,035
2025 BLS Actual
$71,032
2026 Current Est.
$74,321
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,035 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,648 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,012 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,817 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,986 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,032 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,321 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,762 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Union City metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $55,035 (2019) to $71,032 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,762 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,727 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Union City 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) | $60,066 – $67,073 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,073 – $74,321 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,321 – $89,897 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,897 – $106,935 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Union City
The local employment of athletic trainers in Union City is currently valued at about 17 positions, indicating a niche market that remains competitive. The area's cost of living index, which stands at 115.2, suggests that while salaries might be higher than in many parts of the country, the purchasing power of these earnings may be impacted by local living expenses. Among potential employers, industrial and occupational health settings, such as companies like Toyota and Boeing, typically offer the highest compensation compared to roles in high schools or colleges. Factors such as contract length, whether trainers work year-round or only during school seasons, and their level of certification can significantly influence salaries. For those looking to maximize their earnings, securing positions in professional sports or gaining additional credentials could prove advantageous in the Union City market, reinforcing the importance of strategic career planning in this evolving field.
More salary data for Union City, 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 $71,032 for athletic trainersin the Union City 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 Union City 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