Athletic Trainer Salary in Wooster, OH: $62,189 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Wooster, OH earns a median $62,189/year (≈ $29.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Wooster's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $68,566 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wooster, OH, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $62,189, which is slightly below the national median of $65,415 projected for 2026. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $51,701 and experienced trainers potentially earning up to $86,968. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. The local job market reflects the evolving nature of athletic training, especially as it increasingly branches into industrial and occupational health settings, which tend to offer higher compensation compared to traditional roles in secondary and collegiate sports.
About the Wooster Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,701 | $24.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,096 | $27.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,189 | $29.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,858 | $34.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,968 | $41.81 |
Median Salary Position
4.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wooster
In Wooster, OH, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,267 (2026 est.). At $62,189, the local median is 4.93% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wooster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wooster Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Wooster median: $62,189/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wooster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $64,245 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -4.93% less |
Athletic Trainers in Wooster, OH earn a median of $62,189 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.93% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.20% below the Ohio state average of $64,245.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wooster 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.
Wooster, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $62,189 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,566 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,051
2025 BLS Actual
$59,437
2026 Current Est.
$62,189
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Wooster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,051 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,401 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,032 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,185 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,073 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,152 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,437 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,189 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,068 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wooster metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $46,051 (2019) to $59,437 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,068 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,017 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wooster 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) | $51,701 – $57,096 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,096 – $62,189 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,189 – $71,858 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,858 – $86,968 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Wooster
Wooster's labor market for athletic trainers is relatively small, with only six individuals working in this field. The cost of living index in the area stands at 90.7, indicating that living expenses are somewhat lower than the national average, which can enhance the real value of an athletic trainer's salary. In this environment, employers such as local colleges and outpatient clinics typically offer competitive pay structures, while those in industrial sectors like Toyota and FedEx may provide the highest financial rewards. The disparity in salaries is often influenced by the specific setting, contract types, and additional responsibilities. To maximize earning potential, prospective athletic trainers should consider seeking certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT, pursuing roles in high-demand areas, and keeping an eye on the growing industrial health sector in Wooster.
More salary data for Wooster, 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 $59,437 for athletic trainersin the Wooster 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 Wooster 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