Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Manhattan, KS: $82,387 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Manhattan, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,387/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Manhattan's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $90,635 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
In 2026, an athletic trainer in Manhattan, Kansas, can anticipate a competitive median annual salary of $59,793, with seasoned professionals earning well above that figure. The potential for top earners in this field is significant, with salaries reaching up to $82,387, representing the 90th percentile. This discrepancy exemplifies the experience premium: while the median salary offers a stable foundation, those at the higher end of the spectrum often have over seven years of experience, specialized skills, or advanced certifications that open the door to lucrative roles. Such earnings reflect not only local market conditions but also the broader demand for highly qualified athletic trainers, particularly in advanced practice settings, where their expertise is invaluable.
About the Manhattan Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manhattan
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Manhattan earn between $70,138 and $82,387 per year (2026 est.). This $37,223 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Manhattan median of $59,793 sits 8.59% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Manhattan | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $59,793 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,138 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $82,387 | $92,870 |
In Manhattan, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 37.79% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Manhattan
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $59,793 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Manhattan employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Manhattan command premium compensation, often reaching the $70,138–$82,387 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedManhattan ranks #9 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $82,387).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Manhattan ($82,387) is 0.62% below the Kansas average P90 ($82,898).
2019 BLS Actual
$65,177
2025 BLS Actual
$78,741
2026 Current Est.
$82,387
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,177 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,253 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,581 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,196 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,538 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,357 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,741 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,387 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,201 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Manhattan saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $65,177 in 2019 to $78,741 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 $86,201 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manhattan 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 Manhattan
Senior athletic trainers in Manhattan have various avenues for enhancing their earning potential, particularly through specialization. Areas such as professional sports, NCAA Division I athletics, and industrial health typically command higher salaries than traditional high school athletic training roles. The employer type also plays a crucial role in compensation; professionals working with professional teams or in industrial settings often see pay that can exceed their counterparts in educational environments. Entry into senior positions like head athletic trainer or associate athletic director for sports medicine can further elevate pay prospects. Advanced credentials, including a master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program and Board of Certification's ATC credential, are foundational, with additional certifications such as CSCS and OCS-AT providing an edge. Non-salary benefits also influence total compensation, with factors like year-round contracts and stipends for evening events becoming increasingly important for experienced athletic trainers.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Manhattan in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Manhattan?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Manhattan?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Manhattan?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Manhattan?
Related Pages
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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 $78,741 for athletic trainers in the Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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