Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Williamsburg, VA: $87,655 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Williamsburg, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $87,655/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Williamsburg's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $84,937 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Williamsburg, Virginia, those solidly established in their careers as athletic trainers can anticipate significant earnings, with the high end of the spectrum reaching $87,655 in 2026. This impressive figure highlights a substantial difference from the city's estimated median annual salary of $63,928, showcasing the value of extensive experience in this field. For seasoned professionals, the financial rewards can be even more compelling when compared to the national top earners in athletic training, making the Williamsburg market an attractive option for advanced practitioners. Achieving these top-tier salaries often requires specialized skills and a wealth of practical knowledge, underscoring the commitment and continuous professional development necessary to excel in this competitive landscape.
About the Williamsburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williamsburg
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Williamsburg earn between $72,180 and $87,655 per year (2026 est.). This $36,913 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Williamsburg median of $63,928 sits 2.27% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Williamsburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,928 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,180 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $87,655 | $92,870 |
In Williamsburg, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 37.12% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Williamsburg
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $63,928 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Williamsburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Williamsburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $72,180–$87,655 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilliamsburg ranks #31 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $87,655).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Williamsburg ($87,655) is 2.46% below the Virginia average P90 ($89,864).
2019 BLS Actual
$69,345
2025 BLS Actual
$83,776
2026 Current Est.
$87,655
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Williamsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,345 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,553 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,902 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,112 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,776 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,655 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,713 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Williamsburg saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $69,345 in 2019 to $83,776 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 $91,713 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
Specializations play a vital role in influencing senior athletic trainer pay in VA, particularly in Williamsburg, where professionals engaged in areas such as professional sports can command the highest compensation. Positions within Division I colleges, performing arts medicine, and industrial ergonomics also provide lucrative opportunities. Compensation varies considerably depending on the employer, with those working for professional teams or within industrial health settings often experiencing better pay packages compared to those in high schools or outpatient clinics. Advancement opportunities abound; seasoned trainers may take on roles like head athletic trainer at a college or professional level or explore positions with leadership in organizations like NATA. Advanced certifications, including those from BOC and CAATE-accredited programs, can enhance earning potential. Furthermore, non-salary benefits, such as stipends for evening events or simple distinctions between seasonal contracts, can affect overall compensation, making strategic career management essential for maximizing income in this field.
More salary data for Williamsburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Williamsburg in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Williamsburg?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Williamsburg?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Williamsburg?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Williamsburg?
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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 $83,776 for athletic trainers in the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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