Personal Care & Fitness Raleigh, NC Pop. 467,665

Athletic Trainer Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina

The median athletic trainer salary in Raleigh, NC is $52,763 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$52,763
vs State Avg
+$3,230
vs National
$-1,077
Cost of Living
98%

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

Raleigh offers a median athletic trainer salary of $52,763, which is $3,230 above the North Carolina state average of $49,533. Compared to the national median of $53,840, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Raleigh's cost of living is 98% 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 Raleigh spans from $33,320 at the 10th percentile to $80,360 at the 90th percentile — a $47,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,280, while senior athletic trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,440. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Raleigh by Experience

In Raleigh, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $35,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,280
$-720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,900
$-1,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,440
$-1,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC

Percentile Raleigh
10th Percentile $33,320
25th Percentile $41,160
Median (50th) $52,763
75th Percentile $66,640
90th Percentile $80,360

Athletic Trainer Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$52,763
Pop. 874,579
Durham, NC
$51,148
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$47,379
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$46,302
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Raleigh

Education

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

Find Athletic Trainer Jobs in Raleigh

Browse open athletic trainer positions in Raleigh, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Raleigh

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Raleigh, NC? ▼
The median athletic trainer salary in Raleigh, North Carolina is $52,763 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $33,320 (10th percentile) to $80,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in Raleigh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,763, a athletic trainer in Raleigh earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Raleigh compare to the North Carolina state average for athletic trainer pay? ▼
Raleigh's median athletic trainer salary of $52,763 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $49,533. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Raleigh, NC? ▼
Raleigh has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a athletic trainer salary of $52,763 in Raleigh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a athletic trainer in Raleigh? ▼
Most athletic trainer positions in Raleigh 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.