Personal Care & Fitness Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Athletic Trainer Salary in Washington

The median athletic trainer salary in Washington is $61,916 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $53,840.

Median Salary
$61,916
vs National
+$8,076
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Athletic Trainer Salary Overview in Washington (2026)

Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for athletic trainer compensation. This places Washington in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for athletic trainers seeking high pay. At $61,916 per year, athletic trainers in Washington earn $8,076 more than the national median of $53,840.

It's worth noting that Washington's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $61,916 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $53,840.

The salary spread in Washington is significant: athletic trainers at the 10th percentile earn $39,100, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $94,300 — a $55,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Washington for this role is Bellevue, where the median reaches $81,837.

Nationally, athletic trainer employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Washington and beyond.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $41,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,700 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,400
+$5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,250
+$8,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,700
+$11,700 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $39,100
25th Percentile $48,300
Median (50th) $61,916
75th Percentile $78,200
90th Percentile $94,300

Athletic Trainer Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for athletic trainers in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Washington

Education

Most athletic trainer positions require a bachelor's degree. Washington has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Injury AssessmentRehabilitationTaping/BracingEmergency CareExercise ScienceCommunication

Job Outlook in Washington

Nationally, athletic trainer employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Washington's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Washington

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Washington? ▼
The median athletic trainer salary in Washington is $61,916 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $39,100 (10th percentile) to $94,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,916, a athletic trainer in Washington earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for athletic trainers? ▼
Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for athletic trainer pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level athletic trainers earn $41,400, while senior professionals earn $89,700.
How does Washington compare to other states for athletic trainer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for athletic trainers is Hawaii at $91,528. Washington's median of $61,916 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($65,685) and New Jersey ($61,916).
What is the entry-level athletic trainer salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level athletic trainer in Washington earns approximately $41,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $63,250. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $89,700.
What city in Washington pays athletic trainers the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for athletic trainers, with a median salary of $81,837. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.