Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Kuna, ID: $84,087 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Kuna, ID — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $84,087/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Kuna's price premium (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $88,234 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
Top-tier compensation for experienced athletic trainers in Kuna, Idaho, offers enticing earning potential, with the highest projected salaries reaching $84,087 in 2026. The professional landscape rewards those who accumulate significant experience, as evidenced by the substantial gap between the median annual salary of $60,289 and the earnings of the top 10% of professionals. Achieving this elite level of pay typically requires not just time in the field but also advanced credentials such as a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, along with specialty certifications that may enhance employability and competency. The disparity in earnings highlights the premium placed on expertise and ongoing professional development, making it clear that dedication to the field can yield significant financial rewards.
About the Kuna Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kuna
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Kuna earn between $71,971 and $84,087 per year (2026 est.). This $33,775 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kuna median of $60,289 sits 7.84% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Kuna | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,289 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,971 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $84,087 | $92,870 |
In Kuna, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 39.47% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Kuna
Advanced Certifications in Idaho
ID athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $60,289 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kuna employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Kuna command premium compensation, often reaching the $71,971–$84,087 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kuna 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 Kuna 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 Idaho 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 Kuna
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKuna ranks #11 of 16 Idaho cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $84,087).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Kuna ($84,087) is 6.92% below the Idaho average P90 ($90,342).
2019 BLS Actual
$66,522
2025 BLS Actual
$80,366
2026 Current Est.
$84,087
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Kuna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,522 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,641 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,976 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,624 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,014 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,733 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,366 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,087 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,980 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Kuna saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $66,522 in 2019 to $80,366 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 $87,980 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kuna 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 Kuna
In Kuna, certain specializations stand out for their potential to command higher salaries, particularly in professional sports and collegiate settings. Athletic trainers working with NCAA Division I programs or professional teams often see compensation levels that surpass those in secondary schools, making these paths particularly attractive for seasoned professionals. Additionally, advanced positions in industrial and occupational settings—like those with major corporations—can also offer pay premiums, often 30-50% higher than roles in educational settings. Opportunities for career advancement abound, with experienced trainers pursuing roles such as head athletic trainer for colleges or professional teams, or even consulting positions in industrial environments. Enhanced credentials further elevate salary prospects; holding a BOC certification, state license, and optional specialties can make a difference in competitiveness. Factors such as the work setting and contract structures, including stipends for extra duties, also play a significant role in the overall compensation landscape for senior athletic trainers in Kuna.
More salary data for Kuna, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Kuna in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Kuna?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Kuna?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Kuna?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Kuna?
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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 $80,366 for athletic trainers in the Kuna 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 Kuna 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