Athletic Trainer Salary in Kent, WA: $70,131 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Kent, WA earns a median $70,131/year (≈ $33.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Kent's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $65,299 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kent, Washington, the anticipated median salary for an athletic trainer in 2026 is $70,131, which is notably above the national median of $65,415. Local estimates highlight a salary range from $54,707 at the 10th percentile to $104,413 at the 90th percentile, reflecting both entry-level positions and those in more senior roles. The variations in pay can often be attributed to the different settings of employment, with industrial positions typically offering higher compensation compared to traditional school environments. As athletic training continues to evolve with the recent transition requiring a master’s degree, Kent's job market reflects these changes, showcasing a promising trajectory for prospective trainers.
About the Kent Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,707 | $26.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,015 | $29.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,131 | $33.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,558 | $41.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,413 | $50.20 |
Median Salary Position
7.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kent
In Kent, WA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,706 (2026 est.). At $70,131, the local median is 7.21% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kent: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kent Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Kent median: $70,131/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kent Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $70,272 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +7.21% more |
Athletic Trainers in Kent, WA earn a median of $70,131 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.21% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $70,272.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kent has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kent, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,131 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,299 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,933
2025 BLS Actual
$67,028
2026 Current Est.
$70,131
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,933 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,455 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,911 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,722 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,107 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,615 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,028 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,131 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,378 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kent metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $51,933 (2019) to $67,028 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,378 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,445 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kent 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) | $54,707 – $62,015 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,015 – $70,131 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,131 – $86,558 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,558 – $104,413 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Kent
Examining the job landscape reveals that there are currently 33 athletic trainers employed in the Kent area, which may sound modest but is conducive to a thriving local market. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, professionals should consider how this affects their disposable income and lifestyle choices. Among the potential employers in Kent, secondary schools and outpatient clinics are common, yet those seeking the highest pay tend to gravitate towards industrial or occupational health settings, such as Toyota and Boeing. The pay disparity within the region often stems from factors like job setting, whether trainers work year-round versus on school contracts, and the roles held—head trainers generally command higher salaries compared to assistants. For those looking to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Kent, pursuing additional certifications and seeking roles in more lucrative sectors can significantly improve earning potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Kent, WA in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Kent?
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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 $67,028 for athletic trainersin the Kent 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 Kent 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