Athletic Trainer Salary in 2026
Prevent, diagnose, and treat muscle and bone injuries for athletes and active individuals.
Median Salary
$62,520
$5,210/mo
Entry Level
$45,700
starting pay
Senior Level
$81,800
experienced
Job Growth
+18%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Athletic Trainers (SOC 29-9091) at a national median of $62,520 per year (mean $66,620), with 30,500 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Athletic Trainer Overview
Prevent, diagnose, and treat muscle and bone injuries for athletes and active individuals.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
31K
5-Year Growth
+3%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$30.06/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,210
Athletic Trainer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Athletic Trainer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Athletic Trainer Salary
$70,000
$5,833/month · $2,692/biweekly · $33.65/hr
Athletic Trainer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Athletic Trainer field.
Entry-level Athletic Trainers earn around $45,700, while the top 10% earn $90,200 or more.
Top Paying States for Athletic Trainers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $74,000 | +$11,480 |
| New York | $72,000 | +$9,480 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,000 | +$480 |
| Texas | $61,000 | $-1,520 |
| Ohio | $59,000 | $-3,520 |
Top Paying Cities for Athletic Trainers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $74,000 | +$11,480 |
| Los Angeles | $70,000 | +$7,480 |
| Philadelphia | $64,000 | +$1,480 |
| DallasBLS metro | $62,520 | $0 |
| Columbus | $59,000 | $-3,520 |
Rows marked BLS metro are the BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Athletic Trainers in that city's metropolitan statistical area (1 of 5); the remaining rows are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier.
Athletic Trainer Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Athletic Trainer.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Athletic Trainer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Athletic Trainer from entry level to expert.
$45,700
0-2 years
$64,000
3-7 years
$81,800
8-14 years
$98,600
15+ years
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Athletic Trainer Salary FAQ
How much does a Athletic Trainer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Athletic Trainer in the United States is $62,520 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Athletic Trainers (SOC 29-9091); the mean is $66,620. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $45,700, senior professionals around $81,800, and top earners at $98,600 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Athletic Trainer?
A Athletic Trainer typically requires a Master's Degree with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, Emergency Care. Relevant certifications such as BOC Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Athletic Trainers?
The job market for Athletic Trainers is projected to grow by 18% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 31K Athletic Trainer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 3%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Athletic Trainers the most?
The highest-paying states for Athletic Trainers include California, Texas, Ohio. In California, the median salary is approximately $74,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Athletic Trainer salary?
To increase your Athletic Trainer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation. Pursue certifications such as BOC Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $45,700 to $81,800 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Athletic Trainer Salary
How we calculate Athletic Trainer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Athletic Trainers (SOC 29-9091), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $62,520, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Athletic Trainers; BLS mean $66,620.
- Entry-level ($45,700) and senior-level ($81,800) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +18% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 30,500 Athletic Trainers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 3% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Healthcare sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Master's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $62,520; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Athletic Trainer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Athletic Trainer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Athletic Trainer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, Emergency Care), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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