Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Lawrence, KS: $85,849 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Lawrence, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $85,849/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Lawrence's price premium (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $95,131 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior athletic trainers in Lawrence, Kansas, have a markedly favorable earning potential, particularly for top earners who can command annual salaries around $85,849 in 2026. At the P75 tier, seasoned professionals in this field can expect to earn approximately $75,784, highlighting the significant pay gap between the median salary of $63,636 and these top figures. This experience premium illustrates the financial rewards associated with advanced skills, years of service, and specialization. Achieving such high compensation typically requires extensive experience of over seven years and often hinges on the trainer's chosen employment setting and specialization, further elevating their marketability.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Lawrence earn between $75,784 and $85,849 per year (2026 est.). This $39,801 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lawrence median of $63,636 sits 2.72% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Lawrence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,636 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,784 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $85,849 | $92,870 |
In Lawrence, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 34.91% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Lawrence
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $63,636 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lawrence employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Lawrence command premium compensation, often reaching the $75,784–$85,849 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 Kansas 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 Lawrence
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLawrence ranks #6 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $85,849).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Lawrence ($85,849) is 3.56% above the Kansas average P90 ($82,898).
2019 BLS Actual
$67,916
2025 BLS Actual
$82,050
2026 Current Est.
$85,849
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,916 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,079 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,103 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,544 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,261 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,050 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,849 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,824 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Lawrence saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $67,916 in 2019 to $82,050 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 $89,824 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
In Lawrence, certain specializations within the athletic training field can amplify earning potential significantly. For instance, professionals engaged in athletic training for high-level college Division I programs, professional sports teams, or in military and occupational health settings often see substantial pay differentials that exceed even the highest local salaries. Compensation varies widely depending on the employer type; those working for professional franchises or in industrial environments can earn notably more than those in secondary schools. Career progression also plays a critical role, as experienced trainers can advance to leadership positions such as head athletic trainer or even administrative roles in sports medicine. Advanced credentials, including a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and BOC certification, are essential for career growth and further pay increases in this evolving field. Factors such as year-round versus seasonal contracts and responsibility for evening or weekend events may also impact overall compensation, making the pursuit of added certifications beneficial in enhancing senior athletic trainer pay in KW.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Lawrence in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Lawrence?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Lawrence?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Lawrence?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Lawrence?
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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 $82,050 for athletic trainers in the Lawrence 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, 3-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