Athletic Trainer Salary in Lacey, WA: $68,982 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Lacey, WA earns a median $68,982/year (≈ $33.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Lacey's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $64,229 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Lacey, Washington, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $68,982. This figure reflects the recent transition to a master's degree requirement for entry-level positions that took effect in 2022, significantly shaping compensation structures within the field. The salary range for athletic trainers is broad, with estimates showing pay from $55,194 at the tenth percentile (P10) to a high of $100,985 at the ninetieth percentile (P90). These estimates are drawn from BLS state-level data, taking into account regional price adjustments. Given that Lacey's expected compensation is above the national median of $65,415, local opportunities appear robust, particularly as the area's athletic training demand continues to evolve.
About the Lacey Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,194 | $26.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,891 | $29.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,982 | $33.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,499 | $38.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,985 | $48.55 |
Median Salary Position
5.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lacey
In Lacey, WA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,791 (2026 est.). At $68,982, the local median is 5.45% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lacey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lacey Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Lacey median: $68,982/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lacey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $70,246 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +5.45% more |
Athletic Trainers in Lacey, WA earn a median of $68,982 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.45% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.80% below the Washington state average of $70,246.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lacey has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lacey, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,982 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,229 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,081
2025 BLS Actual
$65,929
2026 Current Est.
$68,982
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,081 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,579 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,776 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,089 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,491 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,929 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,982 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,175 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lacey metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $51,081 (2019) to $65,929 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,175 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,094 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lacey 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) | $55,194 – $61,891 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,891 – $68,982 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,982 – $80,499 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,499 – $100,985 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Lacey
With just 12 athletic trainers currently employed in Lacey, job competition remains moderate, allowing for tailored career strategies. However, potential candidates must consider the local cost of living index of 107.4, which suggests a higher than average expenditure for basic needs, potentially impacting take-home purchasing power. Employers in Lacey range from secondary schools to industrial settings, with positions in professional sports teams and NCAA colleges typically offering the highest pay. The disparity in salaries often results from varying roles and responsibilities—high school athletic trainers, for instance, earn less than their colleagues in professional athletics or those working in industrial health settings. Factors such as contract length, negotiation skills, additional certifications (like CSCS or OCS-AT), and opportunities for stipends in evening or weekend events can significantly influence athletic trainer pay in Lacey WA. Aspiring trainers should strategically seek out diverse experiences, particularly in high-demand areas, to enhance their compensation potential.
More salary data for Lacey, 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 $65,929 for athletic trainersin the Lacey 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 Lacey 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