Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Moline, IL: $74,393 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Moline, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $74,393/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Moline's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $76,615 in average-cost America. The 34% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moline, the financial outlook for seasoned athletic trainers reflects a compelling disparity between the median and top-tier salaries in 2026. Experienced professionals, particularly those with more than seven years of experience, can expect a median annual salary of $55,500. However, the potential for higher earnings is significant, with the top 10% of earners (P90) making $74,393. This is notably less than the national median for athletic trainers, which stands at $65,415, indicating a gap that highlights the experience premium inherent in the field. Attaining this level of compensation typically requires a combination of advanced credentials, such as a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, and extensive expertise, including specialized certifications.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Moline earn between $65,446 and $74,393 per year (2026 est.). This $30,992 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moline median of $55,500 sits 15.16% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Moline | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $55,500 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,446 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $74,393 | $92,870 |
In Moline, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 34.04% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Moline
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $55,500 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moline employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Moline command premium compensation, often reaching the $65,446–$74,393 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moline 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 Moline 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 Illinois 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 Moline
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMoline ranks #63 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $74,393).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Moline ($74,393) is 18.51% below the Illinois average P90 ($91,295).
2019 BLS Actual
$58,853
2025 BLS Actual
$71,101
2026 Current Est.
$74,393
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,853 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,727 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,024 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,482 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,596 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,235 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,101 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,393 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,837 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Moline saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $58,853 in 2019 to $71,101 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 $77,837 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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 Moline
Compensation for senior athletic trainers in Moline varies significantly based on industry specialization and employer type. Athletic trainers working in professional sports often command the highest salaries, a stark contrast to those in secondary schools where earnings tend to be lower. Divisions I colleges and sectors like industrial health, including companies such as Toyota and Boeing, also present lucrative opportunities, with pay gaps often reaching up to 50%. Furthermore, leadership positions, such as head athletic trainer in a college or professional setting, offer avenues for salary increases. Enhancing credentials through training and gaining certifications, such as those from BOC and NATA, can provide a competitive edge. Non-salary factors also play a role, including the stability of year-round contracts and additional stipends for events, which contribute significantly to senior athletic trainer pay in IL.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Moline in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Moline?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Moline?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Moline?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Moline?
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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 $71,101 for athletic trainers in the Moline 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 Moline 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