Athletic Trainer Salary in Kettering, OH: $65,534 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Kettering, OH earns a median $65,534/year (≈ $31.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Kettering's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $72,254 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% above the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Kettering, Ohio, the anticipated median annual compensation for athletic trainers is projected to be $65,534 in 2026, slightly surpassing the national median of $65,415. The salary range illustrates a notable disparity, with entry-level positions starting at about $51,681, while experienced professionals can earn upwards of $95,414. This data, derived from state-level estimates and adjusted for regional cost differences, reflects the unique job market conditions in Kettering. The predominant presence of industrial athletic trainers versus those in traditional sports settings may contribute to this pay gap, as industrial roles often yield higher salaries due to their critical nature in occupational health environments.
About the Kettering Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,681 | $24.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,382 | $28.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,534 | $31.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,943 | $38.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,414 | $45.87 |
Median Salary Position
0.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kettering
In Kettering, OH, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,733 (2026 est.). At $65,534, the local median is 0.18% above the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Kettering: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kettering Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Kettering median: $65,534/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kettering Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $64,249 | +2.00% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +0.18% more |
Athletic Trainers in Kettering, OH earn a median of $65,534 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.18% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.00% above the Ohio state average of $64,249.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kettering has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kettering, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $65,534 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,254 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,528
2025 BLS Actual
$62,634
2026 Current Est.
$65,534
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Kettering (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,528 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,951 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,508 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,938 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,036 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,606 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,634 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,534 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,568 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kettering metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $48,528 (2019) to $62,634 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,568 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,040 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kettering 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) | $51,681 – $58,382 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,382 – $65,534 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,534 – $79,943 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,943 – $95,414 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Kettering
Currently, Kettering employs approximately 10 athletic trainers, a relatively small number that indicates a niche job market. The local cost-of-living index of 90.7 suggests that the purchasing power for residents may be more favorable than in higher-cost regions, allowing athletic trainers to have a comfortable living despite the smaller salary scale. Among local employers, positions in industrial health settings, such as those at companies like Toyota and FedEx, tend to offer higher salaries compared to roles in high schools or NCAA programs. The variance in pay can also hinge on specific factors like the nature of the employment contract, the trainer's experience level, additional certifications, and the responsibilities tied to their roles. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Kettering, pursuing further certifications and seeking positions in industries with higher pay scales may prove beneficial.
More salary data for Kettering, OH:
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 $62,634 for athletic trainersin the Kettering 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 Kettering 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