Athletic Trainer Salary in Bristol, VA: $64,918 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Bristol, VA earns a median $64,918/year (≈ $31.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $62,905 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Bristol, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $64,918, a figure that is slightly below the national median of $65,415. The projected salary range for these professionals stretches from $53,251 at the 10th percentile to as much as $87,040 for those at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted to reflect regional cost factors. Unlike typical school-year contracts associated with high school athletic training, Bristol's market also includes industrial settings, which tend to offer more competitive salaries throughout the year. Consequently, the job landscape in Bristol reflects a dynamic blend of opportunities, particularly for those willing to explore different employment settings.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,251 | $25.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,565 | $28.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,918 | $31.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,854 | $36.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,040 | $41.84 |
Median Salary Position
0.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,789 (2026 est.). At $64,918, the local median is 0.76% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Bristol median: $64,918/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $67,482 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -0.76% less |
Athletic Trainers in Bristol, VA earn a median of $64,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.76% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.80% below the Virginia state average of $67,482.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,918 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,905 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,072
2025 BLS Actual
$62,045
2026 Current Est.
$64,918
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,072 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,481 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,052 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,431 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,490 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,574 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,045 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,918 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,923 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $48,072 (2019) to $62,045 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,923 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,851 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $53,251 – $58,565 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,565 – $64,918 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,918 – $75,854 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,854 – $87,040 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Bristol
As of now, there are six athletic trainers employed in Bristol, which signals a localized job market that may be challenging to break into given its small size. The cost of living index in this city sits at 103.2, slightly above the national average, indicating that while salaries are competitive, actual take-home pay may be diminished by higher living costs. Among potential employers, secondary schools typically offer lower salaries, while colleges, universities, and industrial clients like Toyota or FedEx tend to provide more substantial compensation packages. The variance in athletic trainer pay in Bristol is influenced by factors such as the nature of the employment setting, whether part-time or full-time status is assumed, and the trainer's specific qualifications, including specialized certifications. Athletic trainers eager to maximize their salaries in Bristol should consider diversifying their experience across different settings, pursuing advanced certifications, and negotiating for roles with greater responsibilities or stipends for additional work during evenings or weekends.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
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 $62,045 for athletic trainersin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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