Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Dartmouth, MA: $97,390 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Dartmouth, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $97,390/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Dartmouth's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,760 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers with extensive experience in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, can anticipate competitive salaries that reflect their advanced skills and knowledge in the field. The 2026 median annual salary stands at $69,134, with top earners potentially reaching up to $97,390. This figure showcases the high earning potential, particularly in a city where the experienced athletic trainer salary is 5.69% higher than the national benchmark of $65,415. Achieving such compensation requires a blend of strong credentials, such as a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and relevant certifications, combined with a track record of exceptional performance and specialty skill-sets in areas like professional sports or industrial settings.
About the Dartmouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dartmouth
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Dartmouth earn between $83,118 and $97,390 per year (2026 est.). This $44,577 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Dartmouth median of $69,134 sits 5.69% above the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Dartmouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $69,134 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,118 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $97,390 | $92,870 |
In Dartmouth, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 40.87% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Dartmouth
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $69,134 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Dartmouth employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Dartmouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $83,118–$97,390 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth 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 Massachusetts 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 Dartmouth
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDartmouth ranks #28 of 58 Massachusetts cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $97,390).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Dartmouth ($97,390) is 6.81% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($104,511).
2019 BLS Actual
$77,046
2025 BLS Actual
$93,080
2026 Current Est.
$97,390
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Dartmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,046 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,888 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,796 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,565 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,576 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,390 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,899 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Dartmouth saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $77,046 in 2019 to $93,080 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 $101,899 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth
Senior athletic trainers in Dartmouth find that their pay can vary significantly based on their work environment and areas of specialization. Those working with professional sports teams or in industries such as military or ergonomic health typically command premiums, whereas secondary school positions tend to offer lower salaries. As athletic trainers ascend to leadership roles—such as becoming head trainers for colleges or moving into faculty positions—they often see substantial increases in pay. Additionally, advanced credentials such as the ATC certification and optional specialties like the CSCS can elevate both status and earnings. Compensation may further include non-salary benefits, including stipends for evening events or year-round contracts that reflect the demanding nature of their roles, contributing to the overall appeal of senior athletic trainer pay in MA.
More salary data for Dartmouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Dartmouth in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Dartmouth?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Dartmouth?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Dartmouth?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Dartmouth?
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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 $93,080 for athletic trainers in the Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth 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