Athletic Trainer Salary in Salem, OR: $68,142 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Salem, OR earns a median $68,142/year (≈ $32.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Salem's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $66,415 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average athletic trainer salary in Salem, OR, is projected to reach $68,142, which reflects a modest increase compared to the national median of $65,415, showcasing a gain of 4.17%. The salary for athletic trainers in the area ranges significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $49,546, while experienced trainers can earn as much as $101,085. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, providing a local context for aspiring athletic trainers. The job market for athletic trainers in Salem appears fertile, particularly following the master's degree requirement that emerged in 2022, shaping a new wave of professionals entering the field with advanced education and training.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,546 | $23.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,588 | $27.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,142 | $32.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,044 | $40.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,085 | $48.60 |
Median Salary Position
4.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, OR, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,539 (2026 est.). At $68,142, the local median is 4.17% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Salem median: $68,142/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $67,135 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +4.17% more |
Athletic Trainers in Salem, OR earn a median of $68,142 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.17% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.50% above the Oregon state average of $67,135.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,142 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,415 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,920
2025 BLS Actual
$65,127
2026 Current Est.
$68,142
2019–2027 Growth
+52.0%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,439 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,085 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,346 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,127 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,142 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,297 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 38.8% from $46,920 (2019) to $65,127 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,297 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,377 (51.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $49,546 – $57,588 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,588 – $68,142 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,142 – $84,044 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,044 – $101,085 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Salem
Presently, Salem employs about 44 athletic trainers, which signifies a relatively small but stable local market. The cost of living index in the area is set at 102.6, slightly above the national average, which can impact the purchasing power of salaries. Among the highest-paying employers for athletic trainers in Salem are colleges and universities, especially in NCAA settings, and industrial health environments, where pay can substantially surpass traditional school athletic training roles. The disparity in salaries stems from various factors, including the setting—professional sports often command higher compensation than industrial environments—alongside the nature of the contract, such as full-year roles versus school-year contracts. To maximize earnings in Salem, professionals should consider pursuing additional certifications, securing roles in high-demand environments, and being open to work involving evening or weekend stipends. This strategic approach can significantly enhance compensation while aligning with Salem's evolving athletic training landscape.
More salary data for Salem, OR:
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 $65,127 for athletic trainersin the Salem 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 Salem 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