Where's The Money by Julie Ellena

As most of you may of seen in the January edition of the NATA news, a new Athletic Trainer Salary survey has been released. As a profession our salaries have increased steadily since 2011. The national average for full time position in 2014  was $55,036. In District 6 the average salary  reported was $64,126 which is six thousand dollars above and beyond the previously reported salary. Across the nation salaries increased, the largest increase in salary over the last 3 years was the young professional group (1-5) years of experience, improving more than 12 percent.

As the profession moves forward with this knowledge, we are look forward to continue success showing our value. With the current healthcare model in America the athletic trainer is receiving increased value. Our skill set is unlike any other, various health care professionals and community health organizations are stating to take notice. Our efforts are being helped by medical issues occurring in the spotlight (concussions, heat illness and unfortunately, the death of athletes)  and being talked more and more in the mainstream media. We are seeing parents, realize what an assets an athletic trainer is and parents are taking action to save AT jobs and create new ones.

As our profession continues to change and grow with the nation's health care needs, we expect the salaries will continue to increase as more and more individuals are taking a proactive approach to healthcare, rather than a reactive one. Let continue to improve and show our value, it's working.

For more information on the salary survey, there is a free interactive salary database www.nata.org/nata-salary-survey.