Personal Care & Fitness Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Athletic Trainer Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median athletic trainer salary in Durham, NC is $51,148 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$51,148
vs State Avg
+$1,615
vs National
$-2,692
Cost of Living
95%

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

Durham offers a median athletic trainer salary of $51,148, which is $1,615 above the North Carolina state average of $49,533. Compared to the national median of $53,840, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $32,300 at the 10th percentile to $77,900 at the 90th percentile — a $45,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,200, while senior athletic trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,100. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $34,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,200
$-1,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,250
$-2,750 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,100
$-3,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $32,300
25th Percentile $39,900
Median (50th) $51,148
75th Percentile $64,600
90th Percentile $77,900

Athletic Trainer Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Durham

Education

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

Find Athletic Trainer Jobs in Durham

Browse open athletic trainer positions in Durham, NC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Durham

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median athletic trainer salary in Durham, North Carolina is $51,148 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $32,300 (10th percentile) to $77,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,148, a athletic trainer in Durham earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for athletic trainer pay? ▼
Durham's median athletic trainer salary of $51,148 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $49,533. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a athletic trainer salary of $51,148 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a athletic trainer in Durham? ▼
Most athletic trainer positions in Durham 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.