Personal Care & Fitness Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Athletic Trainer Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median athletic trainer salary in Columbia, SC is $48,456 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$48,456
vs State Avg
+$538
vs National
$-5,384
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median athletic trainer salary of $48,456, which is $538 above the South Carolina state average of $47,918. Compared to the national median of $53,840, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $30,600 at the 10th percentile to $73,800 at the 90th percentile — a $43,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,400, while senior athletic trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,200. With a population of 131,674, 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 $32,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,500
$-5,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $30,600
25th Percentile $37,800
Median (50th) $48,456
75th Percentile $61,200
90th Percentile $73,800

Athletic Trainer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$56,532
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$53,840
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$51,148
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$49,533
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Columbia

Education

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

Find Athletic Trainer Jobs in Columbia

Browse open athletic trainer positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median athletic trainer salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $48,456 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $30,600 (10th percentile) to $73,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,456, a athletic trainer in Columbia earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for athletic trainer pay? ▼
Columbia's median athletic trainer salary of $48,456 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $47,918. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a athletic trainer salary of $48,456 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.