Athletic Trainer Salary in Herndon, VA: $63,237 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Herndon, VA earns a median $63,237/year (≈ $30.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Herndon's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $61,276 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Herndon, Virginia, the median annual salary for athletic trainers is projected to be $63,237 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $65,415. Salaries in the area span from as low as $54,129 to as high as $81,790, reflecting the diversity of roles and environments available to athletic trainers. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost variations, highlight the trade-offs that athletic trainers face in their career choices. Those opting for school-year contracts may find their pay structure differs significantly from year-round positions in industrial settings, which often provide higher compensation due to the nature of the work.
About the Herndon Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,129 | $26.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,889 | $28.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,237 | $30.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,847 | $34.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,790 | $39.32 |
Median Salary Position
3.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Herndon
In Herndon, VA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,661 (2026 est.). At $63,237, the local median is 3.33% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Herndon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Herndon Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Herndon median: $63,237/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Herndon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $67,489 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -3.33% less |
Athletic Trainers in Herndon, VA earn a median of $63,237 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.33% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $67,489.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Herndon has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Herndon, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,237 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,276 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,828
2025 BLS Actual
$60,439
2026 Current Est.
$63,237
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Herndon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,828 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,808 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,048 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,002 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,135 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,439 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,237 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,165 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Herndon metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $46,828 (2019) to $60,439 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,165 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,337 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Herndon 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) | $54,129 – $58,889 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,889 – $63,237 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,237 – $71,847 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,847 – $81,790 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Herndon
The job market for athletic trainers in Herndon is relatively small, with only five professionals currently employed in this field. The local cost-of-living index sits at 103.2, indicating a higher-than-average expense that could affect purchasing power. Athletic trainers in this area may find positions in high schools, colleges, or outpatient clinics, but employers such as Toyota and Boeing in industrial settings typically offer the highest salaries. Factors influencing the wide pay range include the nature of athletic training settings, contract types, and additional responsibilities—such as event coverage or certification endorsements, which can enhance an athletic trainer's earning potential. Strategic choices, like pursuing opportunities with professional sports teams or obtaining relevant certifications, can significantly affect athletic trainer pay in Herndon, VA.
More salary data for Herndon, 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 $60,439 for athletic trainersin the Herndon 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 Herndon 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