Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Lima, OH: $84,137 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Lima, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $84,137/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Lima's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $92,764 in average-cost America. The 33% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lima, Ohio, the potential earnings for senior athletic trainers are significantly influenced by their experience and specialization. As of 2026, top earners, who represent the 90th percentile, can expect to see salaries reach up to $84,137, while those in the 75th percentile command around $72,961. This creates a notable gap when compared to the median salary of $63,216 for the role, illustrating the financial rewards that come with advanced expertise and responsibility. Achieving top-tier pay in this market often necessitates a combination of specialized skills, such as working in professional sports or leading athletic programs at Division I colleges, and advanced credentials that align with current industry standards.
About the Lima Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lima
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Lima earn between $72,961 and $84,137 per year (2026 est.). This $31,566 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lima median of $63,216 sits 3.36% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Lima | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,216 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,961 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $84,137 | $92,870 |
In Lima, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 33.09% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Lima
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $63,216 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lima employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Lima command premium compensation, often reaching the $72,961–$84,137 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lima 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 Lima 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 Ohio 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 Lima
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLima ranks #38 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $84,137).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Lima ($84,137) is 4.32% above the Ohio average P90 ($80,654).
2019 BLS Actual
$66,562
2025 BLS Actual
$80,414
2026 Current Est.
$84,137
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lima (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,562 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,682 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,017 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,666 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,058 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,343 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,414 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,137 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,033 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Lima saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $66,562 in 2019 to $80,414 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 $88,033 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lima 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 Lima
Compensation for senior athletic trainers in Lima varies widely based on the employment sector. For instance, positions within professional sports teams typically offer the highest salaries, exceeding those at high schools or collegiate institutions. Specialized roles in performing arts medicine, military, and industrial health settings can command premium rates as well. Moreover, as the field evolves beyond traditional sports settings, advanced certifications, such as those offered by the BOC and NATA, coupled with a required master’s degree gained from CAATE-accredited programs, contribute to enhanced earning potential. Career advancement opportunities abound for seasoned professionals, paving the way to leadership roles such as head athletic trainer, athletic training program faculty, or administrators in sports medicine. Indeed, non-salary benefits become increasingly significant at this level, with contracts that reflect the complexities of the role where evening and weekend commitments might also offer extra stipends.
More salary data for Lima, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Lima in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Lima?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Lima?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Lima?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Lima?
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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 $80,414 for athletic trainers in the Lima 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 Lima 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