Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Burke, VA: $91,757 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Burke, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $91,757/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Burke's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $88,912 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burke, Virginia, the financial prospects for seasoned athletic trainers are promising, with top earners reaching notably high salaries. In 2026, the projected earning potential peaks at $91,757 for those positioned in the 90th percentile, substantiating the appeal of this profession for those with substantial experience. The $66,664 median annual salary illustrates a clear division in pay, revealing that successful trainers who accumulate over seven years in the field can significantly boost their income through strategic career moves and specialization. Focused commitment to high-performance environments or leadership roles can provide the stepping stones necessary to achieve this top-tier compensation, making thorough industry knowledge and advanced education critical.
About the Burke Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burke
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Burke earn between $78,636 and $91,757 per year (2026 est.). This $39,309 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burke median of $66,664 sits 1.91% above the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Burke | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $66,664 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,636 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $91,757 | $92,870 |
In Burke, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 37.64% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Burke
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $66,664 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burke employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Burke command premium compensation, often reaching the $78,636–$91,757 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burke 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 Burke 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 Virginia 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 Burke
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurke ranks #17 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $91,757).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Burke ($91,757) is 2.11% above the Virginia average P90 ($89,864).
2019 BLS Actual
$72,590
2025 BLS Actual
$87,697
2026 Current Est.
$91,757
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Burke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,902 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,268 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,066 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,674 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,232 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,697 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,757 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,006 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Burke saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $72,590 in 2019 to $87,697 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 $96,006 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burke 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 Burke
Delving deeper into the nuances of senior athletic trainer pay in VA, professionals can expect varied compensation depending on their employer and area of expertise. For example, those working with professional sports organizations or in elite academic roles, such as NCAA Division I programs, typically command higher salaries compared to their counterparts in high school settings. Notably, specialized fields—such as performing arts medicine and military applications—tend to offer lucrative opportunities. Career advancement avenues, including positions like head athletic trainer or within administrative roles at colleges, also contribute to salary increases. Moreover, advanced credentials, such as a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and Board of Certification (BOC) credentials, can amplify earnings. Non-salary factors, including the nature of the contract and additional stipends for evening or weekend events, further complicate the overall compensation picture for experienced athletic trainers in Burke.
More salary data for Burke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Burke in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Burke?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Burke?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Burke?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Burke?
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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 $87,697 for athletic trainers in the Burke 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 Burke 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