Athletic Trainer Salary in 2026
Prevent, diagnose, and treat muscle and bone injuries for athletes and active individuals.
Median Salary
$52,000
$4,333/mo
Entry Level
$38,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$68,000
experienced
Job Growth
+18%
10-yr outlook
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)
32K
5-Year Growth
+3%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$25.00/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,333
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
$58,000
$4,833/month · $2,231/biweekly · $27.88/hr
Athletic Trainer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Athletic Trainer field.
Entry-level Athletic Trainers earn around $38,000, while the top 10% earn $75,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Athletic Trainers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $61,000 | +$9,000 |
| New York | $60,000 | +$8,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $51,000 | $-1,000 |
| Ohio | $49,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Athletic Trainers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $61,000 | +$9,000 |
| Los Angeles | $58,000 | +$6,000 |
| Philadelphia | $53,000 | +$1,000 |
| Dallas | $52,000 | $0 |
| Columbus | $49,000 | $-3,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Athletic Trainer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Athletic Trainer from entry level to expert.
$38,000
0-2 years
$53,000
3-7 years
$68,000
8-14 years
$82,000
15+ years
Related Healthcare Jobs
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 $52,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $38,000, while senior professionals earn up to $68,000. Top earners in the field can make $82,000 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 32K 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 $61,000. 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 $38,000 to $68,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Athletic Trainer Salary
How we calculate Athletic Trainer salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $52,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Athletic Trainer in the Healthcare sector.
- Entry-level ($38,000) and senior-level ($68,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +18% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 32K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 3% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Healthcare sector wages.
- Education requirement: Master's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $52,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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