Athletic Trainer Salary in Union, NJ: $76,075 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Union, NJ earns a median $76,075/year (≈ $36.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Union's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $66,037 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary for athletic trainers in Union, New Jersey, is projected to reach a median of $76,075, significantly higher than the national median of $65,415. Athletic trainers in the area can expect to earn between $57,949 at the lower end of the spectrum to $105,430 at the upper end, making this a lucrative region for professionals in the field. This increase in pay reflects the recent transition to a master’s degree requirement for entry-level positions, a change that took place in 2022. Local estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, highlight Union's strength in the job market for athletic trainers, which is beneficial for those considering this career path.
About the Union Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,949 | $27.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,239 | $31.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,075 | $36.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,602 | $43.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,430 | $50.68 |
Median Salary Position
16.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Union
In Union, NJ, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,481 (2026 est.). At $76,075, the local median is 16.3% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Union: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Union Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Union median: $76,075/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Union Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $75,322 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +16.30% more |
Athletic Trainers in Union, NJ earn a median of $76,075 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.30% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.00% above the New Jersey state average of $75,322.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Union has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Union, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,075 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,037 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,334
2025 BLS Actual
$72,709
2026 Current Est.
$76,075
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Union (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,334 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,986 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,311 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,614 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,371 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,756 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,709 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,075 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,598 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Union metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $56,334 (2019) to $72,709 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,598 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,264 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Union 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) | $57,949 – $66,239 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,239 – $76,075 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,075 – $89,602 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,602 – $105,430 |
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
With 15 athletic trainers currently employed in Union, the local job market reflects both opportunity and competition. The area's cost of living index, measured at 115.2, indicates that while salaries are competitive, the higher cost of living may impact take-home purchasing power. Employers such as secondary schools, colleges, and outpatient clinics vary in compensation, with those in professional sports typically offering the most competitive rates. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to differences in employment settings, roles (head vs. assistant trainer), contract types (school-year vs. year-round), and additional certifications. Aspiring athletic trainers in Union should consider gaining diverse experience and specializing in sought-after credentials to enhance earnings in this vibrant market.
More salary data for Union, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Union, NJ in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Union?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Union?
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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 $72,709 for athletic trainersin the Union 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 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