Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Stevens Point, WI: $81,465 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Stevens Point, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $81,465/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Stevens Point's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $87,222 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
Stevens Point presents a compelling financial landscape for experienced athletic trainers. With a projected median annual salary of $58,802 in 2026, the top-tier earners can expect to reach as much as $81,465, particularly those with extensive expertise and specialized skills. This range reflects a notable experience premium, illustrating the gap between average earnings and the potential for higher compensation. To achieve this top athletic trainer salary in Stevens Point, professionals typically need over seven years of direct experience, coupled with advanced credentials such as a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program and successful completion of the BOC national exam. Notably, even though the median salary in this city is lower than the national average of $65,415, the opportunity for substantial earnings still exists for those positioned at the higher end of the pay spectrum.
About the Stevens Point Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stevens Point
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Stevens Point earn between $69,862 and $81,465 per year (2026 est.). This $32,859 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Stevens Point median of $58,802 sits 10.11% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Stevens Point | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $58,802 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,862 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $81,465 | $92,870 |
In Stevens Point, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 38.54% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Stevens Point
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $58,802 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Stevens Point employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Stevens Point command premium compensation, often reaching the $69,862–$81,465 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedStevens Point ranks #20 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $81,465).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Stevens Point ($81,465) is 0.51% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($81,887).
2019 BLS Actual
$64,448
2025 BLS Actual
$77,860
2026 Current Est.
$81,465
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Stevens Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,448 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,825 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,421 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,737 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,126 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,465 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,237 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Stevens Point saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $64,448 in 2019 to $77,860 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 $85,237 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point
In Stevens Point, specialized roles can significantly influence senior athletic trainer pay in WI. Positions in professional sports or those associated with Division I colleges tend to offer the highest salaries, while industrial athletic trainers often command 30-50% more than their counterparts in secondary schools due to the nature of their work environments. Employers such as military organizations and large corporations like Toyota and Boeing illustrate this trend, providing lucrative compensation packages that can frequently surpass the traditional school setting. Career advancement can also augment the pay scale; seasoned professionals may transition into leadership roles like head athletic trainer at a collegiate or professional level, or pivot to positions such as associate athletic director for sports medicine. Added credentials such as specialty certifications can further enhance earning potential, alongside non-salary compensation factors—like stipends for overseeing events and contract differences between school-year and year-round positions—that play a vital role in the overall compensation package for senior athletic trainers in the region.
More salary data for Stevens Point, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Stevens Point in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Stevens Point?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Stevens Point?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Stevens Point?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Stevens Point?
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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 $77,860 for athletic trainers in the Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point 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