Athletic Trainer Salary in Eau Claire, WI: $61,713 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Eau Claire, WI earns a median $61,713/year (≈ $29.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Eau Claire's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $66,074 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, can expect a median annual salary of $61,713, reflecting a workforce primarily engaged in supporting both industrial and traditional sports environments. The projected salary range for these professionals spans from $45,516 on the lower end (P10) to $85,595 at the high end (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, highlight a competitive landscape compelling job seekers to consider benefits beyond salary. Interestingly, the local median falls behind the national figure of $65,415, indicating a modest pay gap that may inspire athletic trainers to explore dual roles or additional certifications to enhance their earning potential.
About the Eau Claire Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,516 | $21.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,128 | $26.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,713 | $29.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,727 | $34.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,595 | $41.15 |
Median Salary Position
5.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Eau Claire
In Eau Claire, WI, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,079 (2026 est.). At $61,713, the local median is 5.66% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Eau Claire: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Eau Claire Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Eau Claire median: $61,713/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Eau Claire Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $61,102 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -5.66% less |
Athletic Trainers in Eau Claire, WI earn a median of $61,713 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.66% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.00% above the Wisconsin state average of $61,102.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Eau Claire has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Eau Claire, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $61,713 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,074 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,699
2025 BLS Actual
$58,982
2026 Current Est.
$61,713
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Eau Claire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,699 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,038 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,793 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,652 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,944 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,982 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,713 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,570 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Eau Claire metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $45,699 (2019) to $58,982 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,570 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,871 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Eau Claire 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) | $45,516 – $56,128 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,128 – $61,713 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,713 – $72,727 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,727 – $85,595 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Eau Claire
With only ten athletic trainers currently employed in Eau Claire, the job market remains relatively niche, leading to a focused yet competitive hiring environment. Moreover, the cost of living index in the area is 93.4, allowing for improved purchasing power despite the lower salary average. Employers like colleges and universities may offer competitive pay compared to secondary schools, often providing year-round contracts, while industrial settings tend to command higher salaries due to the rigorous demands of occupational health. The variation in pay can arise from factors such as geographical settings, additional responsibilities, and evening or weekend commitments, which can lead to stipends or enhanced compensation. For those starting or advancing in their careers, obtaining specialized certifications from organizations like the BOC can substantially influence an athletic trainer's salary trajectory in Eau Claire, WI.
More salary data for Eau Claire, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Eau Claire, WI in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Eau Claire?
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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 $58,982 for athletic trainersin the Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire 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