Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Syracuse, UT: $87,553 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Syracuse, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $87,553/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Syracuse's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,249 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Syracuse, Utah, senior athletic trainers can expect to achieve significant earning potential, with top earners in this field reaching up to $87,553 in 2026. This figure reflects a considerable jump from the median salary of $62,358, illustrating the experience premium associated with advanced career positions in athletic training. To reach these higher salary tiers, professionals often pursue specializations or leadership roles that demand both expertise and advanced credentials. As the market for experienced athletic trainers grows, those who strategically enhance their skill sets and take on greater responsibilities are well-positioned to capture this lucrative pay scale, which notably remains below the national median of $65,415 by approximately 4.67%.
About the Syracuse Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Syracuse
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Syracuse earn between $74,795 and $87,553 per year (2026 est.). This $40,163 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Syracuse median of $62,358 sits 4.67% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Syracuse | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $62,358 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,795 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $87,553 | $92,870 |
In Syracuse, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 40.40% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Syracuse
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $62,358 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Syracuse employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Syracuse command premium compensation, often reaching the $74,795–$87,553 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Syracuse 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 Syracuse 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 Utah 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 Syracuse
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSyracuse ranks #20 of 41 Utah cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $87,553).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Syracuse ($87,553) is 1.78% below the Utah average P90 ($89,136).
2019 BLS Actual
$69,264
2025 BLS Actual
$83,679
2026 Current Est.
$87,553
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,264 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,819 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,535 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,024 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,453 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,679 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,553 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,607 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Syracuse saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $69,264 in 2019 to $83,679 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 $91,607 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
In reviewing the state of senior athletic trainer compensation in Syracuse, several dynamics come into play that influence pay levels. Specializations in fields like professional sports, college Division I programs, ergonomic and industrial health, as well as tactical medicine, are particularly lucrative, often offering salaries that surpass traditional school settings. Generally, those working with professional teams in the NFL, NBA, or MLB earn more compared to their counterparts in secondary education or outpatient clinics. Career progression for experienced trainers may lead to esteemed roles such as head athletic trainers at schools, department leaders at colleges, or consultants in industrial health settings, each offering additional earning opportunities. The requirement for a master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program and certification through BOC increases the stakes, encouraging continued professional development. Factors like year-round contracts versus school-year positions and added stipends for event coverage can further enrich overall compensation in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Syracuse, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Syracuse in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Syracuse?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Syracuse?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Syracuse?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Syracuse?
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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 $83,679 for athletic trainers in the Syracuse 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 Syracuse 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