Athletic Trainer Salary in Federal Way, WA: $69,621 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Federal Way, WA earns a median $69,621/year (≈ $33.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Federal Way's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $64,824 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Federal Way, Washington, can anticipate a median annual salary of $69,621, which reflects a notable increase compared to the national median of $65,415. This new projection highlights the effects of the master's transition that occurred in 2022, reshaping the entry-level compensation landscape for athletic trainers. The salary range for this profession in Federal Way is quite broad, spanning from $53,521 at the 10th percentile to as high as $100,040 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, positioning Federal Way as an attractive job market for athletic trainers seeking diverse opportunities in schools, industry settings, and beyond.
About the Federal Way Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,521 | $25.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,969 | $29.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,621 | $33.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,781 | $40.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,040 | $48.10 |
Median Salary Position
6.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Federal Way
In Federal Way, WA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,519 (2026 est.). At $69,621, the local median is 6.43% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Federal Way: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Federal Way Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Federal Way median: $69,621/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Federal Way Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $70,253 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +6.43% more |
Athletic Trainers in Federal Way, WA earn a median of $69,621 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.43% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $70,253.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Federal Way has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Federal Way, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,621 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,824 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,555
2025 BLS Actual
$66,540
2026 Current Est.
$69,621
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,555 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,066 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,533 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,302 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,655 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,115 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,540 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,621 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,844 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Federal Way metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $51,555 (2019) to $66,540 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,844 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,289 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Federal Way 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) | $53,521 – $60,969 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,969 – $69,621 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,621 – $83,781 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,781 – $100,040 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Federal Way
The local job market for athletic trainers in Federal Way is relatively stable, with 22 professionals currently employed in this field. However, the cost of living index of 107.4 suggests that living expenses are above the national average, potentially impacting take-home purchasing power for athletic trainers. In terms of employer categories, those working in professional sports teams or industrial health settings, such as at Toyota or Boeing, often receive higher salaries compared to their counterparts in high school or college environments. The discrepancy in pay can be attributed to various factors, including the type of position—head athletic trainers typically earn more than assistants—as well as contract types and the necessity for evening or weekend stipends. For those looking to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Federal Way, pursuing additional certifications or targeting roles in higher-paying sectors could be beneficial strategies.
More salary data for Federal Way, 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 $66,540 for athletic trainersin the Federal Way 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 Federal Way 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