Athletic Trainer Salary in Auburn, WA: $69,444 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Auburn, WA earns a median $69,444/year (≈ $33.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $64,659 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the annual salary for athletic trainers in Auburn, Washington, is projected to reach $69,444, which is a notable increase compared to the national median of $65,415. The salary range for athletic trainers demonstrates a significant variance, with entry-level positions beginning at around $50,747 and experienced professionals earning up to $100,006. These figures are sourced from state-level projections based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors. Auburn's job market for athletic trainers reflects this competitive nature, particularly as educational institutions and industrial settings vie for qualified professionals.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,747 | $24.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,339 | $29.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,444 | $33.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,211 | $40.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,006 | $48.08 |
Median Salary Position
6.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, WA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,259 (2026 est.). At $69,444, the local median is 6.16% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Auburn median: $69,444/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $70,287 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +6.16% more |
Athletic Trainers in Auburn, WA earn a median of $69,444 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.16% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $70,287.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,444 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,659 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,424
2025 BLS Actual
$66,371
2026 Current Est.
$69,444
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,424 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,931 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,402 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,156 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,498 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,942 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,371 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,444 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,659 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $51,424 (2019) to $66,371 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,659 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,235 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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) | $50,747 – $61,339 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,339 – $69,444 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,444 – $84,211 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,211 – $100,006 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Auburn
The local job market in Auburn currently employs 23 athletic trainers, showcasing a modest yet stable demand for their expertise. The prevailing cost-of-living index of 107.4 suggests that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power of athletic trainer pay in Auburn WA is slightly affected by higher living costs. Employers in the area span various sectors, including secondary schools, colleges, and industrial health roles, with industrial settings often providing the highest compensation. Factors contributing to the salary disparities include employment setting, contract type, and additional certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT. To enhance earning potential, athletic trainers should consider specializing in high-demand areas like industrial health, pursuing leadership roles, or negotiating for stipends related to evening and weekend events.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
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 $66,371 for athletic trainersin the Auburn 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 Auburn 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