Athletic Trainer Salary in Fredericksburg, VA: $65,721 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Fredericksburg, VA earns a median $65,721/year (≈ $31.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Fredericksburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $63,683 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, athletic trainers in Fredericksburg, Virginia will see a median annual salary of $65,721, which is slightly above the projected national median of $65,415. This increase reflects the transition to a master's degree requirement for entry into the profession as of 2022, thereby reshaping compensation expectations and career trajectories. The salary range for athletic trainers in the region is quite diverse, with entry-level positions starting at $50,145 (P10) and experienced professionals earning up to $92,673 (P90). These figures represent localized estimates that account for cost-of-living adjustments, designed to reflect the economic context of Fredericksburg’s job market, which indicates promising opportunities for skilled athletic trainers seeking employment in both traditional sports and industrial settings.
About the Fredericksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,145 | $24.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,818 | $29.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,721 | $31.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,872 | $37.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,673 | $44.55 |
Median Salary Position
0.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fredericksburg
In Fredericksburg, VA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,528 (2026 est.). At $65,721, the local median is 0.47% above the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Fredericksburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fredericksburg Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Fredericksburg median: $65,721/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fredericksburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $67,476 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +0.47% more |
Athletic Trainers in Fredericksburg, VA earn a median of $65,721 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.47% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.60% below the Virginia state average of $67,476.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fredericksburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fredericksburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,721 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,683 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,667
2025 BLS Actual
$62,813
2026 Current Est.
$65,721
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,667 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,094 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,647 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,092 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,201 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,262 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,813 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,721 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,764 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fredericksburg metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $48,667 (2019) to $62,813 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,764 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,097 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fredericksburg 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) | $50,145 – $60,818 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,818 – $65,721 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,721 – $78,872 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,872 – $92,673 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Fredericksburg
The employment landscape for athletic trainers in Fredericksburg is defined by a modest number of professionals, with only seven currently employed in the area. Despite the relatively small workforce, the cost of living index at 103.2 suggests that salaries are slightly above the national average, impacting purchasing power for those in this field. Employers in Fredericksburg offering the highest pay typically include secondary schools and outpatient clinics, with roles in professional sports settings generally commanding higher salaries. Factors influencing salary disparities include the type of setting—where professional sports roles outpace industrial health in compensation, as well as the variations between full-time, year-round contracts versus school-year or stipend-based positions. To maximize pay in Fredericksburg VA, athletic trainers should consider gaining additional certifications, such as the CSCS or OCS-AT, and actively pursue opportunities in the industrial sector, which often provides compensation up to 30-50% higher than traditional school roles.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, 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 $62,813 for athletic trainersin the Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg 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