Personal Care & Fitness Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Athletic Trainer Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median athletic trainer salary in Tacoma, WA is $59,224 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$59,224
vs State Avg
$-2,692
vs National
+$5,384
Cost of Living
110%

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

Tacoma offers a median athletic trainer salary of $59,224, which is $2,692 below the Washington state average of $61,916. Compared to the national median of $53,840, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $37,400 at the 10th percentile to $90,200 at the 90th percentile — a $52,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior athletic trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,800. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
+$3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,500
+$5,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,800
+$7,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $37,400
25th Percentile $46,200
Median (50th) $59,224
75th Percentile $74,800
90th Percentile $90,200

Athletic Trainer Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Tacoma

Education

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

Find Athletic Trainer Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open athletic trainer positions in Tacoma, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median athletic trainer salary in Tacoma, Washington is $59,224 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $37,400 (10th percentile) to $90,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,224, a athletic trainer in Tacoma earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for athletic trainer pay? ▼
Tacoma's median athletic trainer salary of $59,224 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $61,916. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a athletic trainer salary of $59,224 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a athletic trainer in Tacoma? ▼
Most athletic trainer positions in Tacoma 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.