Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Moses Lake, WA: $94,200 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Moses Lake, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $94,200/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Moses Lake's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $87,709 in average-cost America. The 39% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moses Lake, senior athletic trainers can expect to see substantial compensation in 2026, with the top earners in this field reaching an annual pay of $94,200 according to new projections. This figure represents the upper tier of the salary range, and it highlights the significant experience premium that exists between median salaries, which stand at $67,774, and the highest salaries available. Achieving top-tier pay in this market requires not only extensive experience—typically over seven years—but also a willingness to engage in specialized roles or advance into leadership positions. As professionals navigate the responsibilities of athletic training across diverse environments, mastery in unique areas can often lead to enhanced compensation, emphasizing the need for targeted career development in Moses Lake.
About the Moses Lake Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moses Lake
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Moses Lake earn between $80,656 and $94,200 per year (2026 est.). This $37,991 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moses Lake median of $67,774 sits 3.61% above the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Moses Lake | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $67,774 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,656 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $94,200 | $92,870 |
In Moses Lake, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 38.99% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Moses Lake
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $67,774 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moses Lake employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Moses Lake command premium compensation, often reaching the $80,656–$94,200 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake 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 Washington 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 Moses Lake
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMoses Lake ranks #32 of 49 Washington cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $94,200).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Moses Lake ($94,200) is 5.08% below the Washington average P90 ($99,245).
2019 BLS Actual
$74,523
2025 BLS Actual
$90,032
2026 Current Est.
$94,200
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Moses Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,523 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,896 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,272 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,118 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,796 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,032 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,200 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,562 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Moses Lake saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $74,523 in 2019 to $90,032 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 $98,562 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake
When assessing the factors influencing senior athletic trainer pay in Moses Lake, specialization becomes vital. Certain fields, such as professional sports and collegiate Division I programs, tend to command the highest salaries due to their demanding environments and the level of expertise required. Employment settings further influence compensation; those working in professional sports often earn more than peers in secondary schools or outpatient clinics. Additionally, career advancement opportunities abound, with pathways leading to positions like head athletic trainer for a professional team or associate athletic director for sports medicine in a college setting. Advanced credentials, including a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program and the BOC national exam leading to the ATC credential, significantly enhance earning potential. Employers may also offer non-salary benefits, such as stipends for evening events or additional reimbursements for specialty certifications, which collectively contribute to the overall compensation package for senior athletic trainers in WA.
More salary data for Moses Lake, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Moses Lake in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Moses Lake?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Moses Lake?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Moses Lake?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Moses Lake?
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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 $90,032 for athletic trainers in the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake 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