Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Colorado Springs, CO: $112,258 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Colorado Springs, CO — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $112,258/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Colorado Springs's price premium (BEA RPP 100.7, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $111,470 in average-cost America. The 67% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
For senior athletic trainers in Colorado Springs, the compensation landscape offers significant upside potential. With a projected median annual salary of $67,413 for 2026, experienced professionals in the top-tier pay bracket (P90) can achieve earnings as high as $112,258. This figure places Colorado Springs above the national top earners, reflecting a distinct experience premium. Bridging the gap between the median and top salaries requires a blend of advanced credentials, specialization, and strategic career moves, with dedicated professionals striving for roles that position them at the forefront of their field. Furthermore, as athletic training increasingly transitions to require a master's degree, those who pursue additional certifications or take on leadership positions can further enhance their earning potential in this competitive market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Colorado Springs
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Colorado Springs earn between $76,286 and $112,258 per year (2026 est.). This $57,882 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Colorado Springs median of $67,413 sits 3.05% above the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Colorado Springs | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $67,413 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,286 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $112,258 | $92,870 |
In Colorado Springs, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 66.52% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Colorado Springs
Advanced Certifications in Colorado
CO athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $67,413 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Colorado Springs employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Colorado Springs command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,286–$112,258 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs 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 Colorado 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 Colorado Springs
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedColorado Springs ranks #1 of 32 Colorado cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $112,258).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Colorado Springs ($112,258) is 12.97% above the Colorado average P90 ($99,373).
2019 BLS Actual
$95,480
2025 BLS Actual
$107,290
2026 Current Est.
$112,258
2019–2027 Growth
+23.0%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Colorado Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,630 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $150,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,080 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,258 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,455 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Colorado Springs saw their compensation grow 12.4% from $95,480 in 2019 to $107,290 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 $117,455 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs
Becoming one of the high earners in senior athletic trainer pay in CO often hinges on specialization and the type of employer. Roles in professional sports settings—like the NFL or NBA—command the highest salaries, while positions at Division I colleges and performing arts organizations also offer substantial compensation. In contrast, high school athletic trainers typically earn less, emphasizing the importance of understanding the industry dynamics. Those looking to advance can pursue management or leadership positions, such as head athletic trainer for a university or professional team, or even academic roles in accredited athletic training programs. Additionally, acquiring professional credentials like the ATC designation from the BOC, complemented by a master's degree or specialized certifications, can provide the edge needed for higher pay. Non-salary benefits in this field also play a considerable role. Compensation factors include contract type (year-round versus school-year) and potential stipends for additional responsibilities or events, influencing overall income and job satisfaction for senior athletic trainers.
More salary data for Colorado Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Colorado Springs in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Colorado Springs?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Colorado Springs?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Colorado Springs?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Colorado Springs?
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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 $107,290 for athletic trainers in the Colorado Springs 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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