Personal Care & Fitness Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Athletic Trainer Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median athletic trainer salary in Rockford, IL is $44,149 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$44,149
vs State Avg
$-6,999
vs National
$-9,691
Cost of Living
82%

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

Rockford offers a median athletic trainer salary of $44,149, which is $6,999 below the Illinois state average of $51,148. Compared to the national median of $53,840, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $44,149 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $53,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for athletic trainers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for athletic trainers in Rockford spans from $27,880 at the 10th percentile to $67,240 at the 90th percentile — a $39,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,520, while senior athletic trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,960. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $29,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,520
$-6,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,100
$-9,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,960
$-14,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $27,880
25th Percentile $34,440
Median (50th) $44,149
75th Percentile $55,760
90th Percentile $67,240

Athletic Trainer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$58,147
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$57,609
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$51,148
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$45,764
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Rockford

Education

Most athletic trainer positions require a bachelor's degree. Rockford 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 Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Athletic Trainer Jobs in Rockford

Browse open athletic trainer positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Rockford

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median athletic trainer salary in Rockford, Illinois is $44,149 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $27,880 (10th percentile) to $67,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,149, a athletic trainer in Rockford earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for athletic trainer pay? ▼
Rockford's median athletic trainer salary of $44,149 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $51,148. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a athletic trainer salary of $44,149 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a athletic trainer in Rockford? ▼
Most athletic trainer positions in Rockford 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.