Athletic Trainer Salary in Summerville, SC: $59,592 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Summerville, SC earns a median $59,592/year (≈ $28.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Summerville's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $65,128 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected annual compensation for athletic trainers in Summerville, South Carolina, is estimated at $59,592, reflecting the ongoing changes in educational requirements since the transition to a master's degree pathway in 2022. Salaries for athletic trainers in the area show a range from $47,476 on the lower end (P10) to $87,058 at the high end (P90). These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data along with adjusted regional pricing, indicate how the local market is adapting to the higher educational credentials now necessary for entry into the field. Compared to the national median of $65,415, the athletic trainer salary in Summerville is approximately 8.90% lower, suggesting that prospective athletic trainers in the region should actively seek roles that capitalize on their advanced training for stronger pay.
About the Summerville Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,476 | $22.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,266 | $25.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,592 | $28.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,872 | $35.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,058 | $41.85 |
Median Salary Position
8.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Summerville
In Summerville, SC, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,582 (2026 est.). At $59,592, the local median is 8.9% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Summerville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Summerville Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Summerville median: $59,592/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Summerville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $60,870 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -8.90% less |
Athletic Trainers in Summerville, SC earn a median of $59,592 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.90% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.10% below the South Carolina state average of $60,870.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Summerville 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.
Summerville, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $59,592 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,128 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,128
2025 BLS Actual
$56,955
2026 Current Est.
$59,592
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Summerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,128 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,422 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,048 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,774 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,586 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,955 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,592 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,351 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Summerville metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $44,128 (2019) to $56,955 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,351 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,223 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Summerville 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) | $47,476 – $53,266 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,266 – $59,592 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,592 – $72,872 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,872 – $87,058 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Summerville
The local job market employs 12 athletic trainers, which can limit opportunities, but it also fosters a close-knit professional community. With a cost of living index at 91.5, salaries might not stretch as far compared to urban areas, impacting take-home purchasing power in Summerville. Athletic trainers in secondary schools might earn less than those contracted in industrial and occupational health, such as at Toyota or Boeing, where compensation can be significantly higher due to the nature of the work. The disparity in pay among settings often depends on factors like the type of employment contract, experience level, and additional certifications, such as those from the BOC. Those looking to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Summerville, SC, would benefit from pursuing opportunities in industrial settings, seeking certifications that enhance their skill set, and considering year-round contracts for greater stability in their income.
More salary data for Summerville, 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 $56,955 for athletic trainersin the Summerville 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 Summerville 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