Athletic Trainer Salary in State College, PA: $59,305 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in State College, PA earns a median $59,305/year (≈ $28.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in State College's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $60,888 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In State College, Pennsylvania, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $59,305 in 2026. The salary range for this profession stretches from $48,130 at the 10th percentile to $83,359 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and types of positions available. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost factors, highlight the trade-off between working in a school-year contract versus a year-round industrial setting. Athletic trainers in academic institutions often have defined seasonal schedules, while those in industrial roles may enjoy greater financial rewards, reflecting a broader national trend in the industry. This dynamic suggests a competitive market for athletic trainers in State College, where the right qualifications can lead to better pay over time.
About the State College Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,130 | $23.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,396 | $25.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,305 | $28.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,009 | $34.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,359 | $40.07 |
Median Salary Position
9.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in State College
In State College, PA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,229 (2026 est.). At $59,305, the local median is 9.34% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in State College: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How State College Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
State College median: $59,305/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | State College Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $62,165 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -9.34% less |
Athletic Trainers in State College, PA earn a median of $59,305 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.34% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $62,165.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
State College has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
State College, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $59,305 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,888 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,916
2025 BLS Actual
$56,681
2026 Current Est.
$59,305
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in State College (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,916 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,203 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,898 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,681 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,305 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,051 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the State College metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $43,916 (2019) to $56,681 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,051 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,135 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the State College 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) | $48,130 – $53,396 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,396 – $59,305 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,305 – $71,009 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,009 – $83,359 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in State College
In analyzing the local job market, it's noteworthy that as of 2026, there are only nine athletic trainers employed in State College. With a cost of living index of 97.4, take-home pay in the area offers a relatively modest purchasing power compared to national averages. Among various employers, collegiate settings typically provide the highest compensation, particularly in NCAA-affiliated programs. In contrast, high school athletic trainers generally earn less, possibly due to fewer evening and weekend commitments and restricted summer hours. The disparity in pay can be attributed to factors such as the type of setting—professional sports often realize the highest salaries, followed by industrial occupational roles. Therefore, those seeking to maximize their earnings in State College should consider pursuing additional certifications, such as the CSCS, or taking on head athletic trainer roles, which can offer better financial opportunities than assistant positions.
More salary data for State College, PA:
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 $56,681 for athletic trainersin the State College 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 State College 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