Athletic Trainer Salary in Grand Island, NE: $45,226 (2026)

Athletic Trainer Pay in Grand Island: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Island offers a median athletic trainer salary of $45,226, which is $3,230 below the Nebraska state average of $48,456. Compared to the national median of $53,840, Grand Island pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Island's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $45,226 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $53,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for athletic trainers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for athletic trainers in Grand Island spans from $28,560 at the 10th percentile to $68,880 at the 90th percentile — a $40,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,240, while senior athletic trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $65,520. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $30,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,520 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Percentile	Grand Island	NE State	National
10th Percentile	$28,560	$30,600	$34,000
25th Percentile	$35,280	$37,800	$42,000
Median (50th)	$45,226	$48,456	$53,840
75th Percentile	$57,120	$61,200	$68,000
90th Percentile	$68,880	$73,800	$82,000

Percentile

Grand Island

10th Percentile

$28,560

25th Percentile

$35,280

Median (50th)

$45,226

75th Percentile

$57,120

90th Percentile

$68,880

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Grand Island

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Grand Island, NE? ▼

The median athletic trainer salary in Grand Island, Nebraska 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 Grand Island? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $45,226, a athletic trainer in Grand Island earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for athletic trainer pay? ▼

Grand Island's median athletic trainer salary of $45,226 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $48,456. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Grand Island, NE? ▼

Grand Island has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a athletic trainer salary of $45,226 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a athletic trainer in Grand Island? ▼

Most athletic trainer positions in Grand Island 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.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska