Athletic Trainer Salary in Ithaca, NY: $64,181 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Ithaca, NY earns a median $64,181/year (≈ $30.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Ithaca's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $55,376 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated annual compensation for athletic trainers in Ithaca, NY, is projected to be $64,181, slightly below the national median of $65,415. This salary range varies widely, with estimates suggesting a lower end of $50,257 and a higher end of $85,790. The figures reflect local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, highlighting the dynamics of Ithaca's job market. Athletic trainers in this city often work in educational settings, but the growing industrial sector may contribute to both opportunities and earnings discrepancies. Contextually, Ithaca's unique economic landscape influences not only the available positions but also the compensation frameworks that define this profession locally.
About the Ithaca Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,257 | $24.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,434 | $27.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,181 | $30.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,153 | $35.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,790 | $41.25 |
Median Salary Position
1.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ithaca
In Ithaca, NY, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,533 (2026 est.). At $64,181, the local median is 1.89% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ithaca: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ithaca Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Ithaca median: $64,181/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ithaca Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $65,158 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -1.89% less |
Athletic Trainers in Ithaca, NY earn a median of $64,181 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.89% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.50% below the New York state average of $65,158.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ithaca has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ithaca, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,181 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,376 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,527
2025 BLS Actual
$61,341
2026 Current Est.
$64,181
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,527 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,507 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,825 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,838 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,372 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,341 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,181 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,153 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ithaca metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $47,527 (2019) to $61,341 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,153 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,626 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ithaca 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) | $50,257 – $56,434 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,434 – $64,181 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,181 – $74,153 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,153 – $85,790 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Ithaca
With only six athletic trainers currently employed in Ithaca, the job market may seem limited; however, the local cost of living index sits at 115.9, indicating affordability challenges that impact take-home pay. Positions at colleges and universities, particularly those affiliated with NCAA programs, generally provide more substantial compensation compared to high school athletic training roles. Meanwhile, industrial and occupational health positions typically offer higher salaries, benefiting from the demand in sectors such as manufacturing and distribution. Factors influencing the differential in pay include the type of employment setting, the nature of contracts (academic year versus year-round), as well as added responsibilities that may require additional certifications. To maximize earning potential in this market, athletic trainers should pursue relevant credentials like CSCS or OCS-AT and actively seek out opportunities that allow for evening or weekend stipends, which can significantly boost overall compensation.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
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 $61,341 for athletic trainersin the Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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