Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Jacksonville, AR: $78,273 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Jacksonville, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $78,273/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Jacksonville's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $90,072 in average-cost America. The 39% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jacksonville, Arkansas, top-tier salaries for senior athletic trainers can reach upwards of $78,273 in 2026. This figure represents the 90th percentile, showcasing the significant income potential available to experienced professionals in the field. In stark contrast to the median annual salary of $56,434, this distinction highlights the value of extensive experience and advanced qualifications. To secure such lucrative positions, athletic trainers often diversify their expertise through specialization, and advanced certifications, and seek roles in high-demand settings such as professional sports franchises or top-tier educational institutions.
About the Jacksonville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jacksonville
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Jacksonville earn between $66,932 and $78,273 per year (2026 est.). This $33,367 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Jacksonville median of $56,434 sits 13.73% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Jacksonville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $56,434 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,932 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $78,273 | $92,870 |
In Jacksonville, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 38.70% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Jacksonville
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $56,434 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Jacksonville employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Jacksonville command premium compensation, often reaching the $66,932–$78,273 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Arkansas 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 Jacksonville
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedJacksonville ranks #10 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $78,273).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Jacksonville ($78,273) is 1.49% below the Arkansas average P90 ($79,455).
2019 BLS Actual
$61,922
2025 BLS Actual
$74,809
2026 Current Est.
$78,273
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,922 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,894 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,206 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,965 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,478 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,809 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,273 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,897 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Jacksonville saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $61,922 in 2019 to $74,809 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 $81,897 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
Compensation for seasoned athletic trainers in Jacksonville varies significantly based on their employment context. Professionals serving in secondary schools typically earn less than their counterparts in collegiate or professional arenas, where salaries are considerably higher, particularly in settings such as Division I college athletics or professional leagues like the NFL and NBA. Specializations such as industrial and ergonomic athletic training or performing arts medicine can further command premium pay. Advancement opportunities in this field include roles such as head athletic trainer, associate athletic director for sports medicine, and faculty positions within accredited programs, all of which often come with enhanced salaries and benefits. Possessing advanced credentials, such as a master's degree and passing the BOC national exam, provides a competitive edge in the market. Additionally, non-salary compensation factors, such as stipends, year-round contracts, and specialty certifications can significantly augment overall earnings in this evolving profession.
More salary data for Jacksonville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Jacksonville in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Jacksonville?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Jacksonville?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Jacksonville?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Jacksonville?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 $74,809 for athletic trainers in the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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