Athletic Trainer Salary in Aiken, SC: $60,353 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Aiken, SC earns a median $60,353/year (≈ $29.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Aiken's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $65,960 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $60,353 for 2026, athletic trainer salaries in Aiken, South Carolina, reflect a significant disparity when compared to the national median of $65,415. The local salary range extends from $47,905 at the 10th percentile to $83,567 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse market where compensation can vary greatly based on experience and setting. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected forward, illustrate how the focus on industrial and occupational settings in the region contributes to varying levels of pay, unlike more traditional sports roles which may offer less. Aiken's unique emphasis on industrial athletic training positions may also create intriguing opportunities for those looking to break into the field, making local compensation a noteworthy consideration for emerging professionals.
About the Aiken Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,905 | $23.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,544 | $25.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,353 | $29.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,494 | $34.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,567 | $40.18 |
Median Salary Position
7.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aiken
In Aiken, SC, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,662 (2026 est.). At $60,353, the local median is 7.74% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aiken: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aiken Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Aiken median: $60,353/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aiken Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $60,839 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -7.74% less |
Athletic Trainers in Aiken, SC earn a median of $60,353 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.74% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.80% below the South Carolina state average of $60,839.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aiken has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aiken, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $60,353 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,960 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,692
2025 BLS Actual
$57,682
2026 Current Est.
$60,353
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Aiken (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,692 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,002 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,673 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,674 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,447 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,181 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,682 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,353 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,147 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aiken metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $44,692 (2019) to $57,682 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,147 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,455 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aiken 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) | $47,905 – $53,544 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,544 – $60,353 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,353 – $71,494 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,494 – $83,567 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Aiken
In Aiken, where only four athletic trainers are currently employed, the job market can appear limited yet specialized. The cost of living index stands at 91.5, indicating a more affordable lifestyle relative to national averages, which could enhance the purchasing power of athletic trainers in the area. Among the potential employers, industrial health sectors like Toyota and FedEx typically offer higher salaries compared to secondary schools and college settings. Factors influencing the pay disparity, such as whether one works in professional sports roles or educational institutions, play a crucial role; contracts may differ significantly between permanent and school-year positions. For professionals seeking to increase their athletic trainer pay in Aiken, obtaining supplemental certifications, pursuing year-round contracts, and seeking roles that encompass evening or weekend responsibilities can effectively elevate earnings in this unique market.
More salary data for Aiken, SC:
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 $57,682 for athletic trainersin the Aiken 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 Aiken 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