Athletic Trainer Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $46,302 (2026)

Athletic Trainer Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median athletic trainer salary of $46,302, which is $3,231 below the North Carolina state average of $49,533. Compared to the national median of $53,840, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $46,302 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $53,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for athletic trainers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for athletic trainers in Winston-Salem spans from $29,240 at the 10th percentile to $70,520 at the 90th percentile — a $41,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,960, while senior athletic trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,080. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $30,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$30,960

$-5,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$47,300

$-7,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$67,080

$-10,920 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$29,240	$31,280	$34,000
25th Percentile	$36,120	$38,640	$42,000
Median (50th)	$46,302	$49,533	$53,840
75th Percentile	$58,480	$62,560	$68,000
90th Percentile	$70,520	$75,440	$82,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$29,240

25th Percentile

$36,120

Median (50th)

$46,302

75th Percentile

$58,480

90th Percentile

$70,520

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Winston-Salem

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median athletic trainer salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $46,302 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $29,240 (10th percentile) to $70,520 (90th percentile).

How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $46,302, a athletic trainer in Winston-Salem earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for athletic trainer pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median athletic trainer salary of $46,302 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $49,533. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a athletic trainer salary of $46,302 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a athletic trainer in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most athletic trainer positions in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, North Carolina