Athletic Trainer Salary in Greensboro, NC: $54,669 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Greensboro, NC earns a median $54,669/year (≈ $26.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Greensboro's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.9), that paycheck buys what $58,869 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% below the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Greensboro, North Carolina, athletic trainers can expect a median annual salary of $54,669 in 2026, a figure that reflects the balancing act of employment in local secondary schools versus year-round positions in industrial settings. The salary range for athletic trainers in the area spans from $40,785 at the 10th percentile to $64,191 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a diverse job market influenced by various sectors. This data, derived from projected estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlights the competitive pay landscape amid a growing demand for professionals in sports medicine and athletic training roles. Given the ongoing evolution of the profession, particularly with the shift to a master's degree requirement, there are notable opportunities for growth and advancement within the Greensboro market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,785 | $19.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,581 | $22.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,669 | $26.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,768 | $30.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,191 | $30.87 |
Median Salary Position
16.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Greensboro
In Greensboro, NC, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,406 (2026 est.). At $54,669, the local median is 16.43% below the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Greensboro: You'd be above the median
How Greensboro Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Greensboro median: $54,669/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Greensboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $58,595 | -6.70% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -16.43% less |
Athletic Trainers in Greensboro, NC earn a median of $54,669 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.43% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 6.70% below the North Carolina state average of $58,595.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Greensboro has a cost of living 7.14% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Greensboro, NC has a cost-of-living index of 92.865 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $54,669 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,869 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.68% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,640
2025 BLS Actual
$52,250
2026 Current Est.
$54,669
2019–2027 Growth
+52.0%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Greensboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,640 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,260 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,669 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,200 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Greensboro metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 38.8% from $37,640 (2019) to $52,250 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,200 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,560 (51.97%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greensboro 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) | $40,785 – $46,581 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,581 – $54,669 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,669 – $62,768 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,768 – $64,191 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Greensboro
The job market for athletic trainers in Greensboro currently employs around 80 professionals, providing a solid foundation for career development. With a cost of living index of 92.865, the real purchasing power for athletic trainer pay in Greensboro NC is somewhat favorable compared to national averages. High school athletic training and collegiate positions generally offer lower compensation compared to roles in professional sports or industrial health settings like Toyota and Boeing. The variability in salaries arises from factors such as experience, job settings, and specific employer funding for athletic training programs. To maximize earning potential, professionals should seek certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT, consider roles that include stipends for evening or weekend events, and be open to relocation or transition between sports and health industries to fully leverage their skills amidst evolving demands in athletic training.
More salary data for Greensboro, 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 $52,250 for athletic trainersin the Greensboro 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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