Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Burlington, NC: $83,908 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Burlington, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $83,908/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,645 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 Burlington, North Carolina, the senior athletic trainer pay reflects a compelling growth trajectory, with the median annual salary projected to reach $57,385 in 2026. However, experienced professionals in this field can aim much higher; the top athletic trainer salary in Burlington is expected to hit $83,908, marking a significant premium for those at the pinnacle of their careers. This experience premium highlights the disparity between median salaries and the earnings of the highest earners. To attain such compensation levels, trainers typically need a robust mix of advanced specializations, years of practice, and often a track record at higher levels of competition, such as Division I colleges or professional sports settings.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $70,217 and $83,908 per year (2026 est.). This $38,367 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $57,385 sits 12.28% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $57,385 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,217 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $83,908 | $92,870 |
In Burlington, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 46.22% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $57,385 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $70,217–$83,908 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington 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 Burlington 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 North Carolina 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 Burlington
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #8 of 44 North Carolina cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $83,908).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Burlington ($83,908) is 3.42% above the North Carolina average P90 ($81,133).
2019 BLS Actual
$66,380
2025 BLS Actual
$80,195
2026 Current Est.
$83,908
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,495 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,829 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,473 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,859 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,226 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,195 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,908 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,793 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $66,380 in 2019 to $80,195 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 $87,793 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Clear patterns emerge when analyzing the senior athletic trainer landscape in Burlington. Specializations in areas like professional sports, performing arts medicine, and tactical environments can command significantly more in terms of salary. Compensation levels vary widely, influenced by the work environment—head athletic trainers at NCAA colleges and professional teams can earn much more than those in high school settings or outpatient clinics. Leadership opportunities abound; experienced trainers may ascend to positions such as head athletic trainer or associate athletic director for sports medicine. Additionally, advanced certifications and a Master’s degree, mandated for entry as of 2022, provide a competitive edge. The choice between industrial versus traditional sports occupational settings also impacts salary, with industrial roles often offering higher pay. As competition increases, the avenues for additional compensation, such as event stipends and specialty certifications, become essential considerations for those seeking to maximize their earnings in this evolving field.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Burlington?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Burlington?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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 $80,195 for athletic trainers in the Burlington 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 Burlington 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