Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Plymouth, MA: $101,250 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Plymouth, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $101,250/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Plymouth's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $93,318 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Plymouth, Massachusetts presents appealing financial prospects for experienced athletic trainers, particularly for those at the top tier of their profession. The projected 2026 annual salary for top earners reaches an impressive $101,250, indicating robust earning potential in this market. This figure is significantly higher than the national average for senior athletic trainers, which stands at $65,415. The difference between the median annual salary of $71,459 and the top figures illustrates a substantial experience premium that rewards professionals who have honed their skills over seven or more years. Transitioning into high-paying roles often requires specialized knowledge, advanced certifications, and substantial networking within the industry to secure positions that offer higher compensation.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Plymouth earn between $85,496 and $101,250 per year (2026 est.). This $46,835 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plymouth median of $71,459 sits 9.24% above the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Plymouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $71,459 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,496 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $101,250 | $92,870 |
In Plymouth, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 41.69% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Plymouth
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $71,459 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plymouth employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Plymouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $85,496–$101,250 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlymouth ranks #12 of 58 Massachusetts cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $101,250).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Plymouth ($101,250) is 3.12% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($104,511).
2019 BLS Actual
$80,100
2025 BLS Actual
$96,770
2026 Current Est.
$101,250
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,651 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,055 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,039 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,917 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,481 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,770 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,250 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,938 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Plymouth saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $80,100 in 2019 to $96,770 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 $105,938 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Specializations within athletic training can significantly influence salary potential in Plymouth, with sectors such as professional sports, college athletics at the Division I level, and military applications generally commanding higher pay. Senior athletic trainers working with professional teams may fetch salaries that greatly exceed those in educational settings, as the stakes and expectations are inherently different. In terms of career advancement, positions like head athletic trainer in a collegiate environment or athletic training faculty can present lucrative pathways. Further, acquiring advanced credentials—such as a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, a BOC certification, and potentially specialty areas like CSCS or OCS-AT—can also enhance earning potential. The type of employer plays a crucial role; industrial settings, such as those involving ergonomics or occupational health, tend to offer compensation 30-50% higher than traditional athletic training roles in schools. Non-salary compensation can also impact the overall financial package, where year-round contracts, stipends for additional duties, and head positions may contribute significantly to total earnings.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Plymouth in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Plymouth?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Plymouth?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Plymouth?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Plymouth?
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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 $96,770 for athletic trainers in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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