Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Peoria, AZ: $98,577 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Peoria, AZ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $98,577/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Peoria's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $100,078 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Peoria, Arizona, the earning potential for senior athletic trainers is substantial, with top earners bringing in as much as $98,577 annually by 2026. This P90 figure positions Peoria's highest salaries slightly above the national average for top athletic trainers, who are projected to make $65,415. Notably, the median annual salary of $65,851 for experienced trainers in Peoria creates a significant gap with the highest compensation levels, reflecting the experience premium that comes with advanced roles in this field. Achieving top-tier pay in Peoria requires a combination of extensive experience, specialization in high-demand areas, and the pursuit of advanced certifications that are critical for leadership roles within the profession.
About the Peoria Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Peoria
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Peoria earn between $77,808 and $98,577 per year (2026 est.). This $49,945 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Peoria median of $65,851 sits 0.67% above the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Peoria | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,851 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,808 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $98,577 | $92,870 |
In Peoria, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 49.70% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Peoria
Advanced Certifications in Arizona
AZ athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $65,851 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Peoria employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Peoria command premium compensation, often reaching the $77,808–$98,577 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Peoria metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced athletic trainers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured athletic trainers in Peoria with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Athletic Trainers in Arizona who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Athletic Trainer Career & Wage Growth Path in Peoria
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPeoria ranks #4 of 33 Arizona cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $98,577).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Peoria ($98,577) is 0.43% below the Arizona average P90 ($99,002).
2019 BLS Actual
$77,985
2025 BLS Actual
$94,215
2026 Current Est.
$98,577
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,985 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,469 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,862 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,794 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,596 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,983 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,215 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,577 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,141 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Peoria saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $77,985 in 2019 to $94,215 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $103,141 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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.
Maximizing Your Athletic Trainer Earnings in Peoria
Specializations within the athletic training field can greatly influence earning potential in Peoria. For example, trainers working in professional sports, Division I colleges, or specialized areas such as performing arts medicine and military operations tend to command premium pay. Employer type also plays an essential role in senior compensation; athletic trainers employed by professional sports teams or in industrial settings like Toyota and FedEx typically earn more than those in secondary schools or outpatient clinics. Furthermore, advancement opportunities such as becoming the head athletic trainer at a college or a faculty member in an athletic training program can lead to enhanced responsibilities and increased pay. To maximize earnings in Arizona, athletic trainers should consider obtaining advanced credentials like a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and relevant specialty certifications, fostering competitiveness in a market where non-salary benefits also significantly impact overall compensation.
More salary data for Peoria, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Peoria in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Peoria?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Peoria?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Peoria?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Peoria?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $94,215 for athletic trainers in the Peoria metro area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Peoria 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