Athletic Trainer Salary in North Charleston, SC: $66,991 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in North Charleston, SC earns a median $66,991/year (≈ $32.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in North Charleston's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $73,214 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.1% above the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainer salaries in North Charleston, South Carolina, reflect the ongoing transition to a master's-level requirement that reshaped compensation structures in the field. The median annual salary for athletic trainers is projected at $66,991, slightly above the national median of $65,415. Local salaries range from $48,280 at the 10th percentile to $94,916 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a market that rewards experience and specialization. These figures, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional pricing, indicate a positive trend for athletic trainers in North Charleston. As the job market grows, professionals can leverage their advanced credentials and skills effectively.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,280 | $23.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,411 | $29.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,991 | $32.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,818 | $38.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,916 | $45.63 |
Median Salary Position
2.41% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Charleston
In North Charleston, SC, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,636 (2026 est.). At $66,991, the local median is 2.41% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Charleston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Charleston Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
North Charleston median: $66,991/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Charleston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $60,846 | +10.10% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +2.41% more |
Athletic Trainers in North Charleston, SC earn a median of $66,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.41% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 10.10% above the South Carolina state average of $60,846.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Charleston 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.
North Charleston, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $66,991 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,214 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,608
2025 BLS Actual
$64,027
2026 Current Est.
$66,991
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,608 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,062 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,587 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,138 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,326 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,080 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,027 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,991 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,093 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Charleston metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $49,608 (2019) to $64,027 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,093 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,485 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Charleston 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) | $48,280 – $60,411 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,411 – $66,991 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,991 – $79,818 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,818 – $94,916 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in North Charleston
In North Charleston, the demand for athletic trainers is evidenced by a local workforce of 22 professionals engaged in various settings. The cost of living index at 91.5 means that salaries here afford a higher purchasing power compared to many regions in the U.S., making athletic trainer pay in North Charleston SC competitive. Among local employers, positions at colleges and universities, especially NCAA programs, tend to provide the most substantial compensation packages, often exceeding those in high school settings. Factors influencing disparities in pay include the type of employer—occupational health roles in industries like Toyota and Boeing can be particularly lucrative—contract lengths, and additional responsibilities. To maximize their earning potential, athletic trainers should consider pursuing certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT, taking on head athletic trainer roles when possible, and seeking positions that offer stipends for extra duties, thereby enhancing their total compensation in this evolving job market.
More salary data for North Charleston, 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 $64,027 for athletic trainersin the North Charleston 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 North Charleston 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