Athletic Trainer Salary in Fairfax, VA: $64,450 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Fairfax, VA earns a median $64,450/year (≈ $30.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $62,452 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainer salaries in Fairfax, Virginia, are projected to reach a median of $64,450. This figure reflects a minor decline compared to the national median of $65,415, highlighting a competitive yet challenging salary environment locally. The compensation range for athletic trainers varies significantly from $51,780 at the 10th percentile to $85,675 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse job market influenced by factors such as employer type and individual experience. Estimates based on 2025 BLS data reveal that this median aligns with the realities faced by athletic trainers adjusting to the 2022 master's-required transition, which has reshaped salary expectations and entry-level compensation across the profession.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,780 | $24.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,555 | $27.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,450 | $30.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,659 | $35.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,675 | $41.19 |
Median Salary Position
1.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,895 (2026 est.). At $64,450, the local median is 1.48% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfax Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $64,450/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $67,487 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -1.48% less |
Athletic Trainers in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $64,450 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.48% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $67,487.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,450 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,452 — a 3.1% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$47,726
2025 BLS Actual
$61,598
2026 Current Est.
$64,450
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,726 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,125 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,706 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,046 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,076 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,174 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,598 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,450 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,434 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $47,726 (2019) to $61,598 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,434 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,708 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $51,780 – $57,555 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,555 – $64,450 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,450 – $74,659 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,659 – $85,675 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Fairfax
The local job market for athletic trainers in Fairfax comprises a small but significant workforce of just four professionals, emphasizing the niche nature of this field. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, the reality of living expenses subtly affects take-home pay, making it crucial for athletic trainers to maximize their earning potential. Employment opportunities exist in various settings, with professional sports teams typically offering the highest salaries, followed by industrial or occupational health roles that can pay 30-50% more than positions in secondary schools or colleges. The disparity in pay arises from factors such as experience, specific certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT, and whether individuals are in head versus assistant roles. For athletic trainers in Fairfax VA, building a career in high-paying sectors while pursuing additional certifications can significantly enhance earnings over time.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Fairfax, VA in 2026?
Is Fairfax, VA a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Fairfax?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Fairfax?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Fairfax?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $61,598 for athletic trainersin the Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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