Personal Care & Fitness Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Athletic Trainer Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median athletic trainer salary in Chicago, IL is $57,609 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$57,609
vs State Avg
+$6,461
vs National
+$3,769
Cost of Living
107%

Athletic Trainer Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median athletic trainer salary of $57,609, which is $6,461 above the Illinois state average of $51,148. Compared to the national median of $53,840, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for athletic trainers in Chicago spans from $36,380 at the 10th percentile to $87,740 at the 90th percentile — a $51,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,520, while senior athletic trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,460. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $38,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,460 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,520
+$2,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,850
+$3,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,460
+$5,460 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $36,380
25th Percentile $44,940
Median (50th) $57,609
75th Percentile $72,760
90th Percentile $87,740

Athletic Trainer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$58,147
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$51,148
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$45,764
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$44,149
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Chicago

Education

Most athletic trainer positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Injury AssessmentRehabilitationTaping/BracingEmergency CareExercise ScienceCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, athletic trainer employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Athletic Trainer Jobs in Chicago

Browse open athletic trainer positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Chicago

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median athletic trainer salary in Chicago, Illinois is $57,609 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $36,380 (10th percentile) to $87,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,609, a athletic trainer in Chicago earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for athletic trainer pay? ▼
Chicago's median athletic trainer salary of $57,609 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $51,148. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a athletic trainer salary of $57,609 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a athletic trainer in Chicago? ▼
Most athletic trainer positions in Chicago require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Injury Assessment, Rehabilitation, Taping/Bracing, Emergency Care. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.