Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Pleasant Prairie, WI: $79,882 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Pleasant Prairie, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $79,882/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Pleasant Prairie's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $85,527 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 Pleasant Prairie, an experienced athletic trainer can expect a median annual salary of $58,036 in 2026, with top earners in the market achieving nearly $80,000, specifically $79,882. This marks a considerable potential for those in senior roles, with the gap between the median and top-tier pay exemplifying the experience premium in this field. The opportunity to reach these higher salary bands typically requires a combination of specialized skills, advanced credentials, and a proven track record in a competitive job market. Professionals aiming for the highest compensation must often excel in key areas such as sports medicine, injury rehabilitation, or clinical practice, alongside acquiring relevant certifications that bolster their expertise.
About the Pleasant Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pleasant Prairie
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Pleasant Prairie earn between $66,906 and $79,882 per year (2026 est.). This $33,571 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pleasant Prairie median of $58,036 sits 11.28% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Pleasant Prairie | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $58,036 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,906 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $79,882 | $92,870 |
In Pleasant Prairie, 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 Pleasant Prairie
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $58,036 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pleasant Prairie employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Pleasant Prairie command premium compensation, often reaching the $66,906–$79,882 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pleasant Prairie 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 Pleasant Prairie 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 Wisconsin 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 Pleasant Prairie
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPleasant Prairie ranks #29 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $79,882).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Pleasant Prairie ($79,882) is 2.45% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($81,887).
2019 BLS Actual
$63,195
2025 BLS Actual
$76,347
2026 Current Est.
$79,882
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Pleasant Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,195 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,208 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,526 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,092 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,363 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,868 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,347 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,882 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,580 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Pleasant Prairie saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $63,195 in 2019 to $76,347 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 $83,580 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pleasant Prairie 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 Pleasant Prairie
The demand for athletic trainers with advanced specializations can significantly impact their earnings in Pleasant Prairie. For instance, those involved with professional sports teams or performing arts medicine may find themselves at the higher end of the pay spectrum, which differs considerably from roles in secondary school athletic training. Moreover, the type of employer plays a crucial role in determining compensation levels, with positions in industrial or occupational health settings often yielding greater salaries compared to high school or even college athletic training roles. As professionals advance their careers, opportunities may arise for leadership roles, such as head athletic trainer at a NCAA institution or within an NFL team, allowing for further salary enhancement. Obtaining advanced credentials, including state licensure and optional specialty certifications, can also provide a competitive advantage in salary negotiations. Non-monetary factors, such as contract duration and responsibilities during athletic events, further influence overall compensation for seasoned athletic trainers in WI.
More salary data for Pleasant Prairie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Pleasant Prairie in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Pleasant Prairie?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Pleasant Prairie?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Pleasant Prairie?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Pleasant Prairie?
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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 $76,347 for athletic trainers in the Pleasant Prairie 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 Pleasant Prairie 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