Personal Care & Fitness Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Athletic Trainer Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median athletic trainer salary in Columbia, MO is $47,379 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$47,379
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-6,461
Cost of Living
88%

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

Columbia offers a median athletic trainer salary of $47,379, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $47,379. Compared to the national median of $53,840, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $47,379 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $53,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for athletic trainers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for athletic trainers in Columbia spans from $29,920 at the 10th percentile to $72,160 at the 90th percentile — a $42,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,680, while senior athletic trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,640. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $31,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,680
$-4,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $29,920
25th Percentile $36,960
Median (50th) $47,379
75th Percentile $59,840
90th Percentile $72,160

Athletic Trainer Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$49,533
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$48,456
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$45,764
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$44,149
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Columbia

Education

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

Find Athletic Trainer Jobs in Columbia

Browse open athletic trainer positions in Columbia, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median athletic trainer salary in Columbia, Missouri is $47,379 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $29,920 (10th percentile) to $72,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,379, a athletic trainer in Columbia earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for athletic trainer pay? ▼
Columbia's median athletic trainer salary of $47,379 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $47,379. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a athletic trainer salary of $47,379 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a athletic trainer in Columbia? ▼
Most athletic trainer positions in Columbia 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.