Athletic Trainer Salary in Olympia, WA: $69,585 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Olympia, WA earns a median $69,585/year (≈ $33.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Olympia's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $64,791 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Olympia, Washington, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $69,585, which is approximately 6.37% higher than the national median of $65,415. The salary range for trainers in the area varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $51,077 and the top 10% making upwards of $96,107. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living. Olympia's job market reflects a blend of school-year contracts and year-round positions, making it essential for prospective athletic trainers to consider how their employment choices impact their earning potential, particularly within this vibrant and growing market.
About the Olympia Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,077 | $24.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,160 | $30.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,585 | $33.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,920 | $39.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,107 | $46.20 |
Median Salary Position
6.37% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Olympia
In Olympia, WA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,030 (2026 est.). At $69,585, the local median is 6.37% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Olympia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Olympia Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Olympia median: $69,585/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Olympia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $70,288 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +6.37% more |
Athletic Trainers in Olympia, WA earn a median of $69,585 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.37% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.00% below the Washington state average of $70,288.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Olympia has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Olympia, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,585 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,791 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,528
2025 BLS Actual
$66,506
2026 Current Est.
$69,585
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,528 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,039 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,507 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,273 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,623 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,081 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,506 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,585 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,807 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Olympia metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $51,528 (2019) to $66,506 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,807 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,279 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olympia 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) | $51,077 – $63,160 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,160 – $69,585 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,585 – $81,920 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,920 – $96,107 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Olympia
Currently, Olympia boasts a relatively small number of employed athletic trainers, totaling 13. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, professionals in the field must be strategic about their financial planning, as this translates to a higher price point for goods and services compared to the national average. Among the various employers, those in industrial or occupational health settings, such as Toyota and Boeing, generally offer higher compensation than positions within secondary schools or colleges. Factors influencing pay disparities include the nature of the employment setting, as well as role distinctions such as head athletic trainer versus assistant positions. Additionally, trainers can enhance their earning potential through certifications, creating opportunities for pay increases particularly in settings that value advanced qualifications. For those aiming to excel in the Olympia, WA market, focusing on diversifying skill sets and seeking year-round employment opportunities can prove advantageous.
More salary data for Olympia, 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 $66,506 for athletic trainersin the Olympia 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 Olympia 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