Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Quincy, IL: $86,535 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Quincy, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $86,535/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Quincy's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,119 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior athletic trainers in Quincy, Illinois, can anticipate a lucrative career trajectory, especially for those who reach the upper echelons of the field. In 2026, the top athletic trainer salary in Quincy is projected to hit $86,535, significantly rewarding experienced professionals who have honed their skills and expertise. While the median annual salary for an experienced athletic trainer in the area is $61,640, the gap between the median and the highest earners exemplifies the financial benefits of advanced experience and specialization. Those aspiring for this peak compensation level often must attain higher educational qualifications, including a master’s degree, national credentials, and potentially additional certifications, to compete effectively in this market.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Quincy earn between $73,740 and $86,535 per year (2026 est.). This $39,829 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Quincy median of $61,640 sits 5.77% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Quincy | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,640 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,740 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $86,535 | $92,870 |
In Quincy, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 40.39% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Quincy
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $61,640 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Quincy employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Quincy command premium compensation, often reaching the $73,740–$86,535 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Quincy 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 Quincy 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 Quincy
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedQuincy ranks #37 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $86,535).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Quincy ($86,535) is 5.21% below the Illinois average P90 ($91,295).
2019 BLS Actual
$68,459
2025 BLS Actual
$82,706
2026 Current Est.
$86,535
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,459 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,639 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,984 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,461 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,706 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,535 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,542 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Quincy saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $68,459 in 2019 to $82,706 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 $90,542 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 Quincy
The compensation landscape for senior athletic trainers in Quincy varies considerably depending on the setting and area of specialization. Positions within professional sports teams, including the NFL and NBA, command the highest salary brackets, while athletic trainers in college Division I athletics experience competitive pay as well. Conversely, those employed by secondary schools might earn less, reflecting the differing funding structures in education versus professional sports. Advancement opportunities abound, as seasoned trainers can transition into roles such as head athletic trainer, associate athletic director, or even faculty positions in training programs. To enhance their earning potential further, achieving credentials such as the ATC from the BOC or specialized certifications in fields like orthopedic or sports nutrition can be beneficial. The overall compensation package may also include stipends for extra responsibilities, which is an essential consideration for those looking to maximize their career earnings in Quincy, IL.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Quincy in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Quincy?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Quincy?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Quincy?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Quincy?
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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 $82,706 for athletic trainers in the Quincy 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 Quincy 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