Athletic Trainer Salary in Waynesboro, VA: $64,135 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Waynesboro, VA earns a median $64,135/year (≈ $30.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Waynesboro's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $62,146 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Waynesboro, VA are projected to earn a median annual salary of $64,135, slightly below the national median of $65,415. Salaries in this field can vary widely, with entry-level positions starting around $51,195 and experienced trainers commanding up to $88,334 yearly. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, which consider the unique economic conditions of the Waynesboro area, including a cost-of-living index of 103.2, indicating a higher-than-average expense compared to national standards. The transition to a master’s degree requirement for entry into the profession in 2022 has influenced compensation trends, reinforcing the need for advanced education amidst a growing job market.
About the Waynesboro Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,195 | $24.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,880 | $27.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,135 | $30.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,611 | $34.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,334 | $42.47 |
Median Salary Position
1.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waynesboro
In Waynesboro, VA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,139 (2026 est.). At $64,135, the local median is 1.96% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waynesboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waynesboro Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Waynesboro median: $64,135/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waynesboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $67,511 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -1.96% less |
Athletic Trainers in Waynesboro, VA earn a median of $64,135 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.96% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 5.00% below the Virginia state average of $67,511.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waynesboro has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waynesboro, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,135 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,146 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,492
2025 BLS Actual
$61,297
2026 Current Est.
$64,135
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Waynesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,492 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,885 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,473 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,787 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,797 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,905 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,297 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,135 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,105 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waynesboro metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $47,492 (2019) to $61,297 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,105 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,613 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waynesboro 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) | $51,195 – $56,880 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,880 – $64,135 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,135 – $72,611 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,611 – $88,334 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Waynesboro
The local job market for athletic trainers is relatively concentrated, with only four individuals currently employed in the area. Although this might suggest limited opportunities, the demand for skilled trainers remains steady due to the range of potential employers, including secondary schools, colleges, and outpatient clinics. Settings that tend to offer higher compensation, such as industrial health positions with companies like Toyota and FedEx, can offer pay that exceeds the educational institutions. To maximize earning potential in Waynesboro, it’s advantageous for athletic trainers to pursue additional certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT, consider seeking roles with year-round contracts versus seasonal high school positions, and negotiate stipends for evening and weekend events. These factors contribute to the disparities in pay within the profession and can significantly impact take-home earnings in this evolving field.
More salary data for Waynesboro, 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 $61,297 for athletic trainersin the Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro 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