Athletic Trainer Salary in the United States

How much does an Athletic Trainer make in the United States?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Athletic Trainer in the United States is $59,750 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, an Athletic Trainer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $73,368
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $52,932 to $66,878
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $46,725
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View as table View as graph 25% $52,932 10% $46,725 90% $73,368 75% $66,878 $59,750 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Athletic Trainer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $66,878 $5,573 $1,286 $32
Average $59,750 $4,979 $1,149 $29
25th Percentile $52,932 $4,411 $1,018 $25
Check out Athletic Trainer Job Openings in the United States
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Key Factors That Influence Athletic Trainer Salaries

An Athletic Trainer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Athletic Trainer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Athletic Trainer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $57,511
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $57,715
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $60,282
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $63,261
  • Expert (over 8 years): $63,474
Levels Salary
Entry Level Athletic Trainer$57,511
Intermediate Level Athletic Trainer$57,715
Senior Level Athletic Trainer$60,282
Specialist Level Athletic Trainer$63,261
Expert Level Athletic Trainer$63,474
$57,511 0 yr
$57,715 < 2 yrs
$60,282 2-4 yrs
$63,261 5-8 yrs
$63,474 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Athletic Trainers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $75,363
  • San Francisco: $74,622
  • Oakland: $72,967

What Skills Can Increase an Athletic Trainer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Coaching (Mentioned in 3.42% Job Postings): Coaching is a form of development in which an experienced person, called a coach, supports a learner or client in achieving a specific personal or professional goal by providing training and guidance.
  • First Aid (Mentioned in 5.99% Job Postings): First aid refers to medical attention that is usually administered immediately after the injury occurs and at the location where it occurred.
  • Rehabilitation Services (Mentioned in 0.96% Job Postings): Rehabilitation services is a special healthcare service that help a person regain physical, mental, and/or cognitive (thinking and learning) abilities that have been lost or impaired as a result of disease, injury, or treatment.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Coaching 3.42%
First Aid 5.99%
Rehabilitation Services 0.96%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Athletic Trainer's salary.
  • Instructing: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Dedication: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Patient Education: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Instructing
$63,335
6%
Dedication
$62,140
4%
Patient Education
$61,543
3%
Physical Therapy
$60,945
2%
Data Analysis
$60,945
2%
Innovation
$60,945
2%
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How Education impacts an Athletic Trainer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Athletic Trainers enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Athletic Trainer with a No Diploma is between $54,049 and $56,942).

Athletic Trainer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Athletic Trainer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 52.4%
High School 47.6%
Associates 0.0%
Bachelors 52.4%
Masters 47.6%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Athletic Trainer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Athletic Trainer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on April 01, 2026

Athletic Trainer Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Athletic Trainer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Athletic Trainer Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Exercise Physiologist $67,569 13%
Physical Therapist III $122,283 105%

Most common benefits for Athletic Trainer

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Athletic Trainer

Here are companies hiring for Athletic Trainer and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Athletic Trainer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Athletic Trainer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Athletic Trainer

1. Where can an Athletic Trainer earn the most?

An Athletic Trainer's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Athletic Trainer earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Athletic Trainer is $75,363.

2. What is the highest pay for Athletic Trainer?

The highest pay for Athletic Trainer is $73,368.

3. What is the lowest pay for Athletic Trainer?

The lowest pay for Athletic Trainer is $46,725.

4. What are the responsibilities of Athletic Trainer?

Treats and prevents athletic injuries by developing therapies to reduce pain and improve mobility under the direction of a physician. Assists in exercise instruction and demonstration, patient evaluation and testing. May require state license to practice. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in exercise science, sports science or equivalent. Typically requires certification as a Certified Athletic Trainer. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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