Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Great Falls, MT: $75,019 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Great Falls, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $75,019/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Great Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $77,982 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Great Falls, the top-tier potential for experienced athletic trainers is striking, with the compensation reaching as high as $75,019 for the highest earners in 2026. This represents a significant opportunity for seasoned professionals who have amassed at least seven years of experience. With a median salary of $51,340, there exists a rewarding experience premium for those who ascend to senior roles in this market. To capitalize on this wage disparity, professionals should focus on niche specializations and advanced certifications that heighten their market value, enabling them to bridge the gap from mid-tier salaries to the pinnacle of the pay scale in Montana.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Great Falls
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Great Falls earn between $62,790 and $75,019 per year (2026 est.). This $36,923 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Great Falls median of $51,340 sits 21.52% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Great Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $51,340 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,790 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $75,019 | $92,870 |
In Great Falls, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 46.12% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Great Falls
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $51,340 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Great Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Great Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $62,790–$75,019 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Great Falls 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 Great Falls 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 Montana 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 Great Falls
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGreat Falls ranks #2 of 7 Montana cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $75,019).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Great Falls ($75,019) is 3.05% above the Montana average P90 ($72,796).
2019 BLS Actual
$59,348
2025 BLS Actual
$71,699
2026 Current Est.
$75,019
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,348 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,238 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,537 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,007 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,699 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,019 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,492 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Great Falls saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $59,348 in 2019 to $71,699 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 $78,492 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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 Great Falls
Senior athletic trainers in Great Falls can command premium salaries based on their areas of expertise and type of employment. Roles in professional sports, such as with NFL or NBA teams, typically offer the highest remuneration, substantially above college and high school athletic training positions. Trainers working in specialized medical fields, including performing arts medicine or ergonomic consultancy, can also realize elevated earnings. Those looking to advance into leadership roles, such as a head athletic trainer for a university or a faculty member within an AT program, can further enhance their earning potential. Moreover, having advanced credentials, including a Master’s degree and specialty certifications (like CSCS or OCS-AT), can significantly elevate both senior athletic trainer pay in MT and opportunities for advancement. Other aspects affecting compensation include work settings and contract structures, where year-round positions often provide higher salaries than school-year contracts, alongside potential bonuses for evening or weekend events.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Great Falls in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Great Falls?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Great Falls?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Great Falls?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Great Falls?
Related Pages
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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 $71,699 for athletic trainers in the Great Falls 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 Great Falls 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