Athletic Trainer Salary in Tacoma, WA: $71,999 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Tacoma, WA earns a median $71,999/year (≈ $34.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Tacoma's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $67,038 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $71,999 in 2026, athletic trainer salaries in Tacoma, WA, exhibit a competitive edge compared to the national average of $65,415, reflecting a robust local market. The salary range for athletic trainers in the region spans from $53,936 at the 10th percentile to $109,343 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential for experienced professionals. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight the diversity in compensation based on job settings and responsibilities. Those considering a career as an athletic trainer in Tacoma should be aware of the trade-off between positions in school settings, which often follow a school-year contract, and industrial roles that typically offer year-round employment with higher pay.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,936 | $25.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,326 | $29.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,999 | $34.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,742 | $43.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,343 | $52.57 |
Median Salary Position
10.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tacoma
In Tacoma, WA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,407 (2026 est.). At $71,999, the local median is 10.06% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tacoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tacoma Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Tacoma median: $71,999/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tacoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $70,243 | +2.50% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +10.06% more |
Athletic Trainers in Tacoma, WA earn a median of $71,999 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.06% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.50% above the Washington state average of $70,243.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tacoma has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tacoma, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,999 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,038 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,316
2025 BLS Actual
$68,813
2026 Current Est.
$71,999
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,316 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,879 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,294 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,259 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,761 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,617 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,813 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,999 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,333 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tacoma metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $53,316 (2019) to $68,813 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,333 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,017 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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) | $53,936 – $62,326 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,326 – $71,999 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,999 – $89,742 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,742 – $109,343 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Tacoma
Exploring the Tacoma job market, there are currently 56 athletic trainers employed locally, underscoring a specialized demand for these professionals. The cost-of-living index in Tacoma stands at 107.4, suggesting that salaries must be evaluated in the context of living expenses which are slightly above the national average. Among local employers, professionals in collegiate athletics or industrial sectors, such as Toyota or Boeing, tend to offer the highest pay, often benefiting from year-round roles that include evening or weekend stipends. The disparity in salaries is influenced by various factors, including whether the setting is professional sports or high school athletics, experience level, and additional certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT. To maximize earning potential in Tacoma, aspiring athletic trainers should seek opportunities that offer a blend of competitive salaries and the chance to work in diverse environments, thus enhancing both their experience and income potential.
More salary data for Tacoma, 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 $68,813 for athletic trainersin the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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