Athletic Trainer Salary in Fairmont, WV: $52,655 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Fairmont, WV earns a median $52,655/year (≈ $25.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Fairmont's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.5), that paycheck buys what $60,873 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% below the West Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Fairmont, West Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $52,655 in 2026, significantly lower than the national figure of $65,415. Local salaries range from $44,713 at the 10th percentile to $70,598 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse settings where these professionals operate. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments highlight the distinct compensation landscape in Fairmont, largely shaped by the prevalence of industrial and occupational health roles compared to more traditional educational settings. The pay disparity here is influenced by the type of employment, with industrial positions often commanding higher wages due to their specialized demands.
About the Fairmont Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,713 | $21.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,607 | $23.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,655 | $25.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,369 | $29.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,598 | $33.94 |
Median Salary Position
19.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairmont
In Fairmont, WV, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,885 (2026 est.). At $52,655, the local median is 19.51% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairmont: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairmont Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Fairmont median: $52,655/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairmont Pays |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Average | $56,558 | -6.90% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -19.51% less |
Athletic Trainers in Fairmont, WV earn a median of $52,655 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.51% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 6.90% below the West Virginia state average of $56,558.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairmont has a cost of living 13.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairmont, WV has a cost-of-living index of 86.5 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $52,655 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,873 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,991
2025 BLS Actual
$50,325
2026 Current Est.
$52,655
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Fairmont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,991 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,134 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,975 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,338 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,637 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,325 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,655 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,093 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairmont metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $38,991 (2019) to $50,325 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,093 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,102 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairmont 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) | $44,713 – $48,607 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,607 – $52,655 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,655 – $61,369 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,369 – $70,598 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Fairmont
The job market for athletic trainers in Fairmont is modest, with only four professionals currently employed in the area. The local cost of living index is notably below the national average at 86.5, which can affect purchasing power despite the median salary figures. In terms of employer compensation, secondary schools generally provide lower pay compared to colleges, which offer broader athletic programs. Industrial health settings, such as those found at companies like Toyota or FedEx, typically offer the highest salaries due to year-round contracts and the need for specialized certifications. The pay gap between roles often stems from the nature of the job environment—professional and industrial opportunities tend to outpace those in educational institutions. For athletic trainers in Fairmont aiming to enhance their earnings, pursuing additional certifications and seeking roles in industrial or occupational health settings could prove advantageous, given the local market’s structure and compensation patterns.
More salary data for Fairmont, WV:
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 $50,325 for athletic trainersin the Fairmont 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 Fairmont 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