Athletic Trainer Salary in Shaker Heights, OH: $61,966 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Shaker Heights, OH earns a median $61,966/year (≈ $29.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Shaker Heights's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $68,320 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer salary in Shaker Heights is projected at a median of $61,966, which reflects the balance between school-year contracts and year-round positions in industrial settings. The salary range varies widely, with entry-level positions earning about $51,347 and experienced professionals making as much as $86,064. These figures are estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities. Interestingly, salaries in Shaker Heights fall short of the national median of $65,415, suggesting that local demand may not fully align with national trends. This discrepancy highlights the unique job market in Shaker Heights, which includes both educational and industrial opportunities that can significantly impact earnings.
About the Shaker Heights Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,347 | $24.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,624 | $27.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,966 | $29.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,378 | $34.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,064 | $41.38 |
Median Salary Position
5.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shaker Heights
In Shaker Heights, OH, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,717 (2026 est.). At $61,966, the local median is 5.27% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Shaker Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Shaker Heights Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Shaker Heights median: $61,966/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Shaker Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $64,280 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -5.27% less |
Athletic Trainers in Shaker Heights, OH earn a median of $61,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.27% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.60% below the Ohio state average of $64,280.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Shaker Heights 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.
Shaker Heights, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $61,966 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,320 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,886
2025 BLS Actual
$59,224
2026 Current Est.
$61,966
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Shaker Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,886 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,231 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,867 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,002 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,876 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,976 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,224 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,966 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,835 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Shaker Heights metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $45,886 (2019) to $59,224 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,835 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,949 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shaker Heights 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) | $51,347 – $56,624 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,624 – $61,966 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,966 – $71,378 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,378 – $86,064 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Shaker Heights
With only seven athletic trainers currently employed in Shaker Heights, the job market may seem limited, yet it's essential to understand the context of the local economy. The cost of living index in the area is 90.7, which provides a slightly lower financial pressure on take-home income, making the athletic trainer pay in Shaker Heights, OH relatively competitive given local circumstances. Employers vary from secondary schools to NCAA colleges, with the potential for higher pay in industrial settings where athletic trainers can earn considerably more due to year-round contracts. The disparity in compensation often arises from the differences between high school, college, and professional sports settings. Athletic trainers who seek to maximize their earnings should consider gaining additional certifications, taking on head roles rather than assistant positions, and being available for evening or weekend duties, all of which can enhance pay opportunities in this specific market.
More salary data for Shaker Heights, 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 $59,224 for athletic trainersin the Shaker Heights 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 Shaker Heights 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