Personal Care & Fitness Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Athletic Trainer Salary in Arkansas

The median athletic trainer salary in Arkansas is $45,226 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $53,840.

Median Salary
$45,226
vs National
$-8,614
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Athletic Trainer Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for athletic trainer compensation. Athletic Trainer salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $45,226 per year, athletic trainers in Arkansas earn $8,614 less than the national median of $53,840.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $45,226 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $53,840 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: athletic trainers at the 10th percentile earn $28,560, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $68,880 — a $40,320 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $47,379.

Nationally, athletic trainer employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Arkansas and beyond.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $30,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,520 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,200
$-8,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,520
$-12,480 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $28,560
25th Percentile $35,280
Median (50th) $45,226
75th Percentile $57,120
90th Percentile $68,880

Athletic Trainer Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for athletic trainers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Arkansas

Education

Most athletic trainer positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Injury AssessmentRehabilitationTaping/BracingEmergency CareExercise ScienceCommunication

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, athletic trainer employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Arkansas? ▼
The median athletic trainer salary in Arkansas is $45,226 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $28,560 (10th percentile) to $68,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,226, a athletic trainer in Arkansas earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for athletic trainers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for athletic trainer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level athletic trainers earn $30,240, while senior professionals earn $65,520.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for athletic trainer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for athletic trainers is Hawaii at $91,528. Arkansas's median of $45,226 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($46,841) and Oklahoma ($46,302).
What is the entry-level athletic trainer salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level athletic trainer in Arkansas earns approximately $30,240 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $46,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $65,520.
What city in Arkansas pays athletic trainers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for athletic trainers, with a median salary of $47,379. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.