Athletic Trainer Salary in Tega Cay, SC: $56,152 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Tega Cay, SC earns a median $56,152/year (≈ $26.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Tega Cay's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $61,368 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainer salaries in Tega Cay, SC reflect the evolving demands of the profession, particularly following the 2022 transition to requiring a master's degree for entry-level positions. In 2026, the median annual salary is projected to be $56,152, which is notably lower than the national median of $65,415, revealing a discrepancy that may prompt local trainers to seek opportunities elsewhere. The salary range for athletic trainers in the area spans from $46,810 at the 10th percentile to $74,256 at the 90th percentile, providing some insight into possible earnings based on experience, skill level, and job setting. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price differences, highlighting the localized market context affecting athletic trainer compensation in Tega Cay.
About the Tega Cay Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,810 | $22.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,246 | $24.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,152 | $26.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,931 | $31.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,256 | $35.70 |
Median Salary Position
14.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tega Cay
In Tega Cay, SC, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,446 (2026 est.). At $56,152, the local median is 14.16% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tega Cay: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tega Cay Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Tega Cay median: $56,152/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tega Cay Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $60,836 | -7.70% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -14.16% less |
Athletic Trainers in Tega Cay, SC earn a median of $56,152 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.16% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.70% below the South Carolina state average of $60,836.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tega Cay 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.
Tega Cay, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $56,152 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,368 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,581
2025 BLS Actual
$53,667
2026 Current Est.
$56,152
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Tega Cay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,581 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,564 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,216 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,727 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,897 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,667 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,152 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,752 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tega Cay metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $41,581 (2019) to $53,667 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,752 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,171 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tega Cay 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) | $46,810 – $51,246 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,246 – $56,152 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,152 – $64,931 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,931 – $74,256 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Tega Cay
The job market for athletic trainers in Tega Cay currently employs four professionals, which suggests a relatively small but stable local demand. The cost of living index in Tega Cay is 91.5, indicating that expenses are below the national average, thereby allowing for better take-home pay relative to local costs. Among the various employment settings, those working in occupational health—such as roles within Toyota or Boeing—tend to command the highest salaries, compared to positions in educational institutions, which often come with limited contracts and reduced compensation. Additional pay disparities can arise from various factors, including the level of responsibility (head versus assistant athletic trainer roles) and stipends for evening or weekend events. To maximize athletic trainer pay in Tega Cay, professionals are encouraged to pursue specialty certifications or additional qualifications, which can enhance their marketability and potentially increase earnings.
More salary data for Tega Cay, 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 $53,667 for athletic trainersin the Tega Cay 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 Tega Cay 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