Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Bend, OR: $96,143 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Bend, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $96,143/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Bend's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $93,707 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
For senior athletic trainers in Bend, Oregon, the outlook for 2026 reveals a compelling financial landscape. With a median annual salary projected at $65,804, experienced professionals have the potential to earn significantly more by achieving top-tier compensation, as evidenced by the 90th percentile salary reaching $96,143. This substantial figure places Bend's remuneration for the highest-earning athletic trainers above the national average, which stands at $65,415. The gap between the median and the top earners reflects the advanced skills, specialization, and strategic career moves necessary to excel in this competitive market. Experienced athletic trainers seeking higher compensation often engage in further education and certification, demonstrating critical expertise in niche areas that allow them to negotiate for these elevated salary brackets.
About the Bend Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bend
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Bend earn between $76,727 and $96,143 per year (2026 est.). This $43,575 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bend median of $65,804 sits 0.59% above the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Bend | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,804 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,727 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $96,143 | $92,870 |
In Bend, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 46.11% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Bend
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $65,804 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bend employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Bend command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,727–$96,143 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bend 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 Bend 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 Oregon 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 Bend
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBend ranks #4 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $96,143).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Bend ($96,143) is 4.9% above the Oregon average P90 ($91,652).
2019 BLS Actual
$76,060
2025 BLS Actual
$91,889
2026 Current Est.
$96,143
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Bend (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,482 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,866 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,483 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,637 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,889 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,143 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,595 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Bend saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $76,060 in 2019 to $91,889 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 $100,595 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bend 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 Bend
Compensation for senior athletic trainers varies widely based on specialty and employer type in Bend. Professionals working with collegiate Division I programs, military organizations, and professional sports teams generally command higher wages compared to those in high schools or outpatient clinics. Specializations in fields like ergonomic care or performing arts medicine also open doors to premium pay. Factors such as the employment setting—professional sports offer the highest compensation, while industrial roles, including positions at companies like Toyota or FedEx, provide well-paying opportunities—play a critical role in salary differences. Career advancement can lead to leadership roles, such as head athletic trainer for a college or professional team, or positions within the NATA. Obtaining advanced credentials, including a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and relevant specialty certifications, not only aligns with the field's evolving educational requirements but also can significantly boost earning potential, as these qualifications enhance an athletic trainer's marketability in Oregon.
More salary data for Bend, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Bend in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Bend?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Bend?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Bend?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Bend?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 $91,889 for athletic trainers in the Bend 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 Bend 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