Athletic Trainer Salary in Fuquay-Varina, NC: $57,567 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Fuquay-Varina, NC earns a median $57,567/year (≈ $27.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Fuquay-Varina's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $61,503 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the athletic trainer salary in Fuquay-Varina, NC, is projected to reach a median of $57,567, reflecting the nuances between various career settings. Compensation ranges from $44,835 at the lower end (P10) to $76,663 at the higher end (P90), highlighting the potential financial variance depending on roles and employer types. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, indicating how local economic conditions affect salaries. While the local pay may be lower than the national median of $65,415, opportunities exist across secondary schools, colleges, and industrial settings, painting a multifaceted picture of employment in the area.
About the Fuquay-Varina Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,835 | $21.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,667 | $25.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,567 | $27.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,338 | $31.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,663 | $36.86 |
Median Salary Position
12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fuquay-Varina
In Fuquay-Varina, NC, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,828 (2026 est.). At $57,567, the local median is 12% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fuquay-Varina: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fuquay-Varina Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Fuquay-Varina median: $57,567/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fuquay-Varina Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $58,563 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -12.00% less |
Athletic Trainers in Fuquay-Varina, NC earn a median of $57,567 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.00% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $58,563.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fuquay-Varina has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fuquay-Varina, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $57,567 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,503 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,629
2025 BLS Actual
$55,020
2026 Current Est.
$57,567
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Fuquay-Varina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,629 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,879 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,611 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,381 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,981 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,677 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,567 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,233 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fuquay-Varina metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $42,629 (2019) to $55,020 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,233 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,604 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fuquay-Varina 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) | $44,835 – $52,667 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,667 – $57,567 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,567 – $66,338 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,338 – $76,663 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Fuquay-Varina
The local job market shows promise with only five athletic trainers currently employed in Fuquay-Varina, suggesting a small but specialized workforce. The cost of living index stands at 93.6, which is below the national average, affecting the purchasing power of professionals in the area. Among potential employers, industrial and occupational health settings, like those with Toyota and FedEx, typically offer stronger compensation compared to traditional school-based roles, where the job may be tied to a school-year contract. Variations in pay stem from several factors, including the type of contract—year-round positions at industrial sites often command higher salaries than school contracts—and additional responsibilities like event coverage and special certifications. To optimize earnings, athletic trainers in Fuquay-Varina should consider gaining specialized certifications and seeking roles in industrial health settings where pay scales generally favor experienced professionals.
More salary data for Fuquay-Varina, NC:
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 $55,020 for athletic trainersin the Fuquay-Varina 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 Fuquay-Varina 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