Athletic Trainer Salary in Norfolk, VA: $65,393 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Norfolk, VA earns a median $65,393/year (≈ $31.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $63,365 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, athletic trainers can expect a median annual salary of $65,393 in 2026, closely aligning with the national median of $65,415. The local salary range varies from $46,962 at the lower end (P10) to $97,002 at the higher end (P90), illustrating the diversity in pay across positions and settings within the profession. This data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for regional cost factors, reveals the dynamics between school-year contracts typical for high school trainers and the year-round employment often found in industrial or collegiate settings. The local job market offers a variety of opportunities, reflecting the demand for athletic trainers across multiple sectors in Norfolk.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,962 | $22.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,199 | $26.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,393 | $31.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,003 | $38.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,002 | $46.63 |
Median Salary Position
0.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, VA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,040 (2026 est.). At $65,393, the local median is 0.03% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $65,393/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $67,485 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -0.03% less |
Athletic Trainers in Norfolk, VA earn a median of $65,393 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.03% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.10% below the Virginia state average of $67,485.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,393 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,365 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,424
2025 BLS Actual
$62,499
2026 Current Est.
$65,393
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,424 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,843 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,404 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,822 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,911 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,414 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,499 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,393 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,420 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $48,424 (2019) to $62,499 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,420 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,996 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $46,962 – $55,199 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,199 – $65,393 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,393 – $80,003 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,003 – $97,002 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Norfolk
The strength of the job market in Norfolk is evidenced by the employment of 54 athletic trainers in the area, each facing a cost-of-living index of 103.2, which indicates a slightly above-average cost of living. Employers in Norfolk vary significantly in pay, with secondary schools typically offering lower salaries compared to collegiate programs or professional teams, which often offer the highest compensation. Job settings influence income; occupational health roles tend to pay more than traditional athletic training positions, partly due to year-round contracts and associated responsibilities. Maximizing salary potential in Norfolk may depend on negotiating for stipends related to evening and weekend events, obtaining certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT, and aiming for full-time roles in more lucrative environments. For those asking how much do athletic trainers make in Norfolk, understanding these nuances can be critical for career planning and salary negotiations in this unique market.
More salary data for Norfolk, 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 $62,499 for athletic trainersin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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