Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Youngstown, OH: $88,568 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Youngstown, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $88,568/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Youngstown's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $97,649 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
In Youngstown, Ohio, the potential for experienced athletic trainers to command a competitive salary is significant, particularly for those who reach the upper tiers of the pay scale. In 2026, seasoned professionals can expect a median annual salary of $62,657, with top earners, located in the 90th percentile, bringing in up to $88,568. This represents a considerable difference from the median, highlighting an experience premium that rewards those who have honed their skills over time. Achieving such top-tier compensation often requires a blend of advanced credentials, specialized skills, and a robust professional network, particularly in settings that prioritize performance, such as Division I collegiate athletics or professional sports.
About the Youngstown Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Youngstown
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Youngstown earn between $76,354 and $88,568 per year (2026 est.). This $39,131 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Youngstown median of $62,657 sits 4.22% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Youngstown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $62,657 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,354 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $88,568 | $92,870 |
In Youngstown, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 41.35% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Youngstown
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $62,657 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Youngstown employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Youngstown command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,354–$88,568 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Youngstown 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 Youngstown 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 Youngstown
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedYoungstown ranks #12 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $88,568).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Youngstown ($88,568) is 9.81% above the Ohio average P90 ($80,654).
2019 BLS Actual
$70,067
2025 BLS Actual
$84,649
2026 Current Est.
$88,568
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Youngstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,067 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,649 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,568 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,669 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Youngstown saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $70,067 in 2019 to $84,649 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 $92,669 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Youngstown 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 Youngstown
For experienced athletic trainers in Youngstown, several factors influence salary potential and career advancement. Specializations in areas such as military/tactical, industrial and ergonomic settings often provide the highest compensation opportunities, sometimes exceeding traditional collegiate or high school athletic training roles. The type of employer also plays a critical role in salary differences; for instance, professional sports organizations tend to offer higher wages compared to secondary schools or outpatient clinics. Career advancement allows for roles like head athletic trainer in academic institutions or positions in NATA leadership. Furthermore, obtaining advanced credentials, including a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, the BOC national exam certification, and optional specialties, can enhance earning potential and job prospects in this evolving landscape. Non-salary considerations, such as job security, work-life balance, and the prestige associated with higher positions, are equally important in shaping the decisions of senior athletic trainers.
More salary data for Youngstown, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Youngstown in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Youngstown?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Youngstown?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Youngstown?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Youngstown?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Ohio
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 $84,649 for athletic trainers in the Youngstown 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 Youngstown 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