Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Leawood, KS: $79,396 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Leawood, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $79,396/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Leawood's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $87,344 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
In Leawood, Kansas, top-tier certified athletic trainers can expect to earn substantial salaries, with the 2026 projections indicating a range between $67,884 at the 75th percentile (P75) and an impressive $79,396 for the 90th percentile (P90). These figures not only present an enticing opportunity for high achievers in the local market but also reflect a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary of $57,219. To reach such elevated compensation levels, seasoned professionals, typically those with over seven years of experience, often pursue advanced roles or specialize in areas such as performance enhancement and injury prevention. Ultimately, capitalizing on the experience premium in Leawood requires strategic career moves and skill expansions.
About the Leawood Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leawood
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Leawood earn between $67,884 and $79,396 per year (2026 est.). This $32,114 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Leawood median of $57,219 sits 12.53% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Leawood | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $57,219 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,884 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $79,396 | $92,870 |
In Leawood, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 38.76% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Leawood
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $57,219 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Leawood employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Leawood command premium compensation, often reaching the $67,884–$79,396 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Leawood 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 Leawood 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 Leawood
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLeawood ranks #12 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $79,396).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Leawood ($79,396) is 4.22% below the Kansas average P90 ($82,898).
2019 BLS Actual
$62,811
2025 BLS Actual
$75,883
2026 Current Est.
$79,396
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Leawood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,811 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,812 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,128 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,684 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,941 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,062 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,883 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,396 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,072 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Leawood saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $62,811 in 2019 to $75,883 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 $83,072 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leawood 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 Leawood
Specializations play an essential role in determining senior athletic trainer pay in KS, as sectors such as professional sports, collegiate athletics, and industrial or military settings typically command higher compensation. Professionals serving in NFL, MLB, or NCAA Division I roles often see significant salary advantages compared to those in high school athletic training positions. Employers also influence earnings: while secondary schools may offer limited pay, organizations like Toyota and Boeing in occupational health settings provide substantial compensation, reflecting a broader industry trend where athletic trainers in specialized environments can earn up to 50% more than their colleagues in traditional athletic training roles. Advancement opportunities are robust, with qualified individuals vying for positions like head athletic trainer or even joining NATA leadership. Earning advanced credentials, such as holding a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and obtaining the BOC ATC credential, further enhances career prospects and salary potential. Non-salary compensation elements, including stipends for evening events and contract terms, additionally shape the overall compensation landscape for experienced athletic trainers in Leawood.
More salary data for Leawood, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Leawood in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Leawood?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Leawood?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Leawood?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Leawood?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 $75,883 for athletic trainers in the Leawood 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 Leawood 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