Athletic Trainer Salary in Vancouver, WA: $62,519 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Vancouver, WA earns a median $62,519/year (≈ $30.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Vancouver's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $58,211 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.0% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, athletic trainers in Vancouver, Washington, can anticipate a median annual salary of $62,519, reflecting a competitive position relative to their colleagues nationwide, where the median is $65,415. The salary spectrum ranges from $45,638 at the 10th percentile to $93,058 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variation based on factors such as experience, setting, and specific certifications. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, illustrating Vancouver's unique financial landscape. As prospective athletic trainers consider the local job market, understanding the balance between school-year contracts typical in educational settings versus year-round positions often found in industrial environments will prove crucial for long-term career planning.
About the Vancouver Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,638 | $21.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,272 | $26.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,519 | $30.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,150 | $37.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,058 | $44.74 |
Median Salary Position
4.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vancouver
In Vancouver, WA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,420 (2026 est.). At $62,519, the local median is 4.43% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Vancouver: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Vancouver Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Vancouver median: $62,519/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vancouver Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $70,246 | -11.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -4.43% less |
Athletic Trainers in Vancouver, WA earn a median of $62,519 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.43% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 11.00% below the Washington state average of $70,246.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vancouver has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Vancouver, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,519 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,211 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,295
2025 BLS Actual
$59,752
2026 Current Est.
$62,519
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Vancouver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,295 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,653 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,276 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,456 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,365 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,752 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,519 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,413 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vancouver metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $46,295 (2019) to $59,752 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,413 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,118 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vancouver 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) | $45,638 – $55,272 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,272 – $62,519 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,519 – $77,150 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,150 – $93,058 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Vancouver
The Vancouver job market currently employs 37 athletic trainers, giving a glimpse into the localized demand for this profession. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, professionals in this area should consider how their salaries accommodate higher living expenses in comparison to national norms. School athletic trainers tend to earn less than their counterparts in collegiate settings or industrial health roles, such as those with companies like Toyota and Boeing, where salaries can soar due to the demand for year-round care and specific expertise. The wide pay range can be attributed to various factors, including the hierarchical differences between head trainers and assistants, the stipends associated with evening games, and additional certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT. Therefore, those aiming to maximize their earnings in Vancouver WA should consider pursuing opportunities in industrial settings or obtaining specialized credentials while also remaining open to diverse employment types within the athletic training field.
More salary data for Vancouver, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Vancouver, WA in 2026?
Is Vancouver, WA a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Vancouver?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Vancouver?
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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 $59,752 for athletic trainersin the Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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