Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Liberal, KS: $76,492 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Liberal, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $76,492/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Liberal's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $84,150 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For seasoned professionals in Liberal, Kansas, the potential for a lucrative career as an athletic trainer is significant. With senior athletic trainer pay projected to reach up to $76,492 at the 90th percentile in 2026, experienced trainers can expect a substantial financial return as they advance their careers. Comparatively, top earners in Liberal still fall below the national standard; the 2026 median salary across the U.S. is approximately $65,415. The notable gap between the median annual salary of $55,458 and the higher end of the salary spectrum underscores the importance of specialization and experience in this field. Those wishing to achieve top-tier pay should focus on honing specific skills, pursuing advanced degrees, and possibly gaining credentials from recognized bodies like the BOC for enhanced professional standing.
About the Liberal Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Liberal
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Liberal earn between $62,731 and $76,492 per year (2026 est.). This $29,429 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Liberal median of $55,458 sits 15.22% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Liberal | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $55,458 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,731 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $76,492 | $92,870 |
In Liberal, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 37.93% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Liberal
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $55,458 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Liberal employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Liberal command premium compensation, often reaching the $62,731–$76,492 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Liberal 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 Liberal 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 Liberal
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLiberal ranks #15 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $76,492).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Liberal ($76,492) is 7.73% below the Kansas average P90 ($82,898).
2019 BLS Actual
$60,513
2025 BLS Actual
$73,107
2026 Current Est.
$76,492
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,513 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,441 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,746 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,245 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,419 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,816 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,107 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,492 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,033 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Liberal saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $60,513 in 2019 to $73,107 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 $80,033 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberal 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 Liberal
Diverse specializations significantly impact compensation in Liberal, contributing to the earning potential for athletic trainers. Trainers engaged with professional sports, such as those working with NBA or NFL teams, often command the highest salaries compared to their peers in educational institutions or outpatient clinics. Those involved in collegiate athletics at Division I levels also find rewarding financial opportunities that can rival professional roles. It's essential to consider the differences in employer settings; while secondary schools typically offer lower pay, industries such as automotive and aerospace, represented by well-known companies like Toyota and Boeing, see athletic trainers earning at the higher end of the scale. Alongside job roles, furthering one's credentials—like obtaining a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, the BOC national exam certification, or specialty certifications—can drive up salaries even more. Additionally, non-salary benefits such as stipends for evening events or the differences between school-year versus year-round contracts also contribute to the overall compensation landscape for senior athletic trainers in KS.
More salary data for Liberal, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Liberal in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Liberal?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Liberal?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Liberal?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Liberal?
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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 $73,107 for athletic trainers in the Liberal 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 Liberal 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