Athletic Trainer Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $67,020 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Ellensburg, WA earns a median $67,020/year (≈ $32.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Ellensburg's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $62,402 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellensburg, Washington, the athletic trainer salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $67,020 in 2026, outpacing the national median of $65,415 by approximately 2.45%. The full salary range for athletic trainers in this area extends from $54,046 at the tenth percentile to $88,991 at the ninetieth percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within the profession. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, take into account regional cost adjustments that influence the overall compensation package. Athletic trainers here can find varied contracts, with many employed by secondary schools, while others may work within year-round industrial settings that often offer higher pay but differ in job structure and requirements.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,046 | $25.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,783 | $28.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,020 | $32.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,574 | $37.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,991 | $42.78 |
Median Salary Position
2.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellensburg
In Ellensburg, WA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,945 (2026 est.). At $67,020, the local median is 2.45% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ellensburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ellensburg Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Ellensburg median: $67,020/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellensburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $70,251 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +2.45% more |
Athletic Trainers in Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $67,020 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.45% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $70,251.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellensburg has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellensburg, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,020 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,402 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,629
2025 BLS Actual
$64,054
2026 Current Est.
$67,020
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,629 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,083 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,608 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,161 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,351 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,571 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,054 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,020 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,123 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellensburg metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $49,629 (2019) to $64,054 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,123 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,494 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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) | $54,046 – $59,783 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,783 – $67,020 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,020 – $77,574 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,574 – $88,991 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Ellensburg
Examining the athletic trainer pay in Ellensburg, WA reveals a job market currently home to six athletic trainers, indicating potential competition among those in the field. The cost of living index at 107.4 suggests that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be somewhat diminished compared to national averages. Employers encompassing secondary schools and colleges typically offer lower compensation than those in industrial or occupational health settings, where positions can yield higher earnings due to year-round contracts and demand. While the spread in pay may stem from various factors, including experience level, role responsibilities, and attachments to evening or weekend events, those looking to maximize their earnings should consider acquiring additional certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT. Overall, understanding the nuances of the local market and aligning one's career path accordingly can greatly influence how much athletic trainers make in Ellensburg.
More salary data for Ellensburg, 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 $64,054 for athletic trainersin the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg 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