Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Tigard, OR: $91,860 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Tigard, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $91,860/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Tigard's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,532 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
Athletic trainers in Tigard, OR, who have accumulated significant industry experience can anticipate earning a competitive salary. For 2026, the range for experienced athletic trainer salaries reaches impressively from $51,191 at the 10th percentile to $91,860 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a notable potential for high earners in this profession. While the median annual salary is pegged at $65,251, there exists a substantial gap of over $26,000 toward the top end of the scale, emphasizing the importance of advanced training and career progression to achieve those top athletic trainer salary figures in Tigard. Gaining specialized credentials, such as the ATC from BOC, and obtaining a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, both mandated since the 2022 academic transition, can enhance opportunities for high-tier compensation in a competitive market.
About the Tigard Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tigard
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Tigard earn between $77,863 and $91,860 per year (2026 est.). This $40,669 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Tigard median of $65,251 sits 0.25% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Tigard | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,251 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,863 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $91,860 | $92,870 |
In Tigard, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 40.78% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Tigard
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $65,251 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Tigard employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Tigard command premium compensation, often reaching the $77,863–$91,860 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Tigard 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 Tigard 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 Tigard
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTigard ranks #9 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $91,860).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Tigard ($91,860) is 0.23% above the Oregon average P90 ($91,652).
2019 BLS Actual
$72,671
2025 BLS Actual
$87,795
2026 Current Est.
$91,860
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Tigard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,671 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,986 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,352 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,152 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,763 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,589 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,795 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,860 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,113 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Tigard saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $72,671 in 2019 to $87,795 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 $96,113 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tigard 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 Tigard
Compensation for senior athletic trainers varies significantly based on specific roles and employment settings within Tigard. Those working in professional sports and college athletics often command the highest pay, followed by specialized fields such as performing arts medicine and ergonomic consulting. For employers like secondary schools and outpatient clinics, salaries may not reach the same heights as those in NCAA institutions or professional leagues like the NFL and NBA. Leadership positions, such as becoming a head athletic trainer at a college or leading a professional sports team's medical staff, can further elevate earning potential. Advanced degrees, including the recently required master's, paired with certifications (CSCS, OCS-AT), significantly enhance marketability. Non-salary compensation also plays a vital role, with differences arising from full-time versus seasonal contracts, stipends for events outside regular hours, and various settings contributing to the overall value of senior athletic trainer pay in Oregon.
More salary data for Tigard, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Tigard in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Tigard?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Tigard?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Tigard?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Tigard?
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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 $87,795 for athletic trainers in the Tigard 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 Tigard 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