Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Sedona, AZ: $82,092 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Sedona, AZ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,092/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Sedona's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $83,342 in average-cost America. The 36% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sedona, Arizona, experienced athletic trainers with a solid track record can command impressive salaries, especially at the higher tiers. With a salary of $82,092 at the 90th percentile in 2026, top earners in this position have the potential to significantly exceed the 2026 median annual salary of $60,488. This gap highlights the experience premium, showing that specialized skills and advanced credentials unlock greater earning potential in a competitive market. Achieving such a top athletic trainer salary in Sedona often requires years of dedicated experience, strong networking within the industry, and the ability to remain current with emerging trends and best practices in athletic training.
About the Sedona Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sedona
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Sedona earn between $71,111 and $82,092 per year (2026 est.). This $34,978 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Sedona median of $60,488 sits 7.53% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Sedona | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,488 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,111 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $82,092 | $92,870 |
In Sedona, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 35.72% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Sedona
Advanced Certifications in Arizona
AZ athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $60,488 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Sedona employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Sedona command premium compensation, often reaching the $71,111–$82,092 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Sedona 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 Sedona 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 Sedona
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSedona ranks #31 of 33 Arizona cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $82,092).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Sedona ($82,092) is 17.08% below the Arizona average P90 ($99,002).
2019 BLS Actual
$64,943
2025 BLS Actual
$78,459
2026 Current Est.
$82,092
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Sedona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,943 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,012 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,339 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,948 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,281 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,583 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,459 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,092 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,892 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Sedona saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $64,943 in 2019 to $78,459 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 $85,892 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sedona 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 Sedona
When examining senior athletic trainer pay AZ, particularly in Sedona's diverse landscape, certain specializations attract premium pay. Roles within professional sports or Division I college athletics stand out as the highest compensated, while opportunities in performing arts medicine and military healthcare also promise lucrative packages. Compensation varies widely based on the type of employer, as athletic trainers in professional leagues typically earn more than those working in high school sports. To reach senior roles such as head athletic trainer or athletic training program faculty, advanced degrees and credentials are essential, especially following the master's degree requirement established in 2022. Additional certifications from the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) or Board of Certification (BOC) can further enhance one’s earning potential. Considerations such as work setting, the nature of the contract, and stipends for special events also play significant roles in the overall compensation structure for seasoned professionals in this field.
More salary data for Sedona, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Sedona in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Sedona?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Sedona?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Sedona?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Sedona?
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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
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 $78,459 for athletic trainers in the Sedona 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 Sedona 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