Athletic Trainer Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

How much does a Athletic Trainer make?

The average salary for a Athletic Trainer is $59,963 per year in the US.

Athletic trainers play a vital role in helping athletes and others stay healthy. They can work in many places, such as schools, sports teams, and hospitals. The pay for athletic trainers varies based on experience and location. On average, an athletic trainer makes around $59,963 a year. This is a good salary for those who enjoy helping others and working in a dynamic environment.

The salary range for athletic trainers can be quite broad. Entry-level trainers might start at about $38,650. As they gain more experience, their salary can rise. Experienced trainers can earn up to $95,700 a year. The highest-paying areas for athletic trainers are often in larger cities or regions with many sports teams. This can be a good career choice for those willing to work hard and advance in their field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Athletic Trainer?

Springfield, MA, leads the way for athletic trainers with the highest average salaries. This city offers a competitive pay package, making it an attractive option for professionals in this field. Other top cities include Bakersfield, CA, and Bend, OR, where athletic trainers also enjoy above-average earnings.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Athletic Trainer jobs, highlighting Springfield, MA with the highest at $142,872 and Riverside, CA with the lowest at $72,741.
  1. Springfield, MA
    Average Salary: $142,872
    In Springfield, MA, professionals can find rewarding work in sports medicine. The city's focus on health and wellness makes it a great place for those in this field. Local sports teams and schools offer many opportunities.
    Find Athletic Trainer jobs in Springfield, MA


  2. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $83,488
    Bakersfield, CA, provides a vibrant environment for those in sports medicine. The city's active sports scene and community focus on health create many job opportunities. Local sports teams and schools are always in need of skilled professionals.
    Find Athletic Trainer jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  3. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $81,386
    Bend, OR, offers a dynamic setting for sports medicine professionals. The city's outdoor lifestyle and active community make it ideal for those in this field. Local sports teams and schools offer many opportunities to work with athletes.
    Find Athletic Trainer jobs in Bend, OR


  4. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $78,211
    San Francisco, CA, is a bustling city for sports medicine experts. The city's vibrant sports scene and focus on health create many job opportunities. Local sports teams and schools are always looking for skilled professionals.
    Find Athletic Trainer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. New Orleans, LA
    Average Salary: $77,107
    New Orleans, LA, provides a lively environment for those in sports medicine. The city's rich culture and active community make it a great place for professionals. Local sports teams and schools offer many opportunities to work with athletes.
    Find Athletic Trainer jobs in New Orleans, LA


  6. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $76,384
    Sacramento, CA, offers a thriving setting for sports medicine professionals. The city's active sports scene and community focus on health create many job opportunities. Local sports teams and schools are always in need of skilled experts.
    Find Athletic Trainer jobs in Sacramento, CA


  7. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $75,994
    Modesto, CA, provides a welcoming environment for those in sports medicine. The city's focus on health and active lifestyle make it a great place for professionals. Local sports teams and schools offer many opportunities to work with athletes.
    Find Athletic Trainer jobs in Modesto, CA


  8. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $73,390
    Los Angeles, CA, is a dynamic city for sports medicine professionals. The city's vibrant sports scene and focus on health create many job opportunities. Local sports teams and schools are always looking for skilled experts.
    Find Athletic Trainer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  9. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $73,348
    San Jose, CA, offers a thriving environment for those in sports medicine. The city's active sports scene and community focus on health create many job opportunities. Local sports teams and schools are always in need of skilled professionals.
    Find Athletic Trainer jobs in San Jose, CA


  10. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $72,741
    Riverside, CA, provides a vibrant setting for sports medicine professionals. The city's focus on health and active lifestyle make it a great place for those in this field. Local sports teams and schools offer many opportunities to work with athletes.
    Find Athletic Trainer jobs in Riverside, CA

What are the best companies a Athletic Trainer can work for?

Athletic trainers can find top-paying jobs at companies like Seven Resourcing and Fairfax County Public Schools. These employers offer competitive salaries, making them attractive options for those seeking a rewarding career. Other notable employers include YMCA, Work Right NW, and Atrium Health, all of which provide excellent compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Athletic Trainer jobs, highlighting Seven Resourcing with the highest at $127,739 and Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists with the lowest at $71,558.
  1. Seven Resourcing
    Average Salary: $127,739
    Seven Resourcing offers competitive salaries for Athletic Trainers. They provide opportunities in various locations, including major cities and suburban areas. Their focus on employee well-being and professional development makes them a top choice for those in the field.


  2. Fairfax County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $85,154
    Fairfax County Public Schools is a leading employer for Athletic Trainers. They offer a supportive work environment and numerous opportunities for career growth. Athletic Trainers work in schools across Fairfax County, providing essential care to students and staff.


  3. YMCA
    Average Salary: $80,000
    The YMCA provides a dynamic setting for Athletic Trainers. They offer a range of positions in fitness centers and community programs across the country. The YMCA values health and wellness, making it an ideal place for Athletic Trainers to thrive.


  4. Work Right NW
    Average Salary: $74,761
    Work Right NW offers attractive salaries for Athletic Trainers. They focus on providing quality care in various locations. Their commitment to employee satisfaction and professional development makes them a great choice for career advancement.


  5. Atrium Health
    Average Salary: $73,688
    Atrium Health is a prominent employer for Athletic Trainers. They offer competitive pay and numerous opportunities for growth. Athletic Trainers work in hospitals and sports facilities across the region, providing essential care to patients and athletes.


  6. Planned Systems International
    Average Salary: $73,463
    Planned Systems International offers a stable environment for Athletic Trainers. They provide positions in various locations, focusing on employee well-being. Their commitment to professional development makes them a solid choice for career growth.


  7. Northwell Health
    Average Salary: $72,761
    Northwell Health offers competitive salaries for Athletic Trainers. They provide opportunities in hospitals and sports facilities across the area. Their focus on employee satisfaction and professional development makes them a top choice for career advancement.


  8. Concentra
    Average Salary: $72,716
    Concentra offers a supportive work environment for Athletic Trainers. They provide positions in various locations, focusing on employee well-being. Their commitment to professional development makes them a great choice for career growth.


  9. California State University
    Average Salary: $72,296
    California State University offers a competitive salary for Athletic Trainers. They provide opportunities in sports programs across the state. Their focus on student athletes and professional development makes them a solid choice for career advancement.


  10. Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists
    Average Salary: $71,558
    Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists offers a supportive work environment for Athletic Trainers. They provide positions in sports clinics and hospitals. Their focus on patient care and professional development makes them a great choice for career growth.

How to earn more as a Athletic Trainer?

To earn more as an athletic trainer, consider focusing on key areas that can enhance your skills and marketability. Specialization in a particular sport or field can lead to higher-paying opportunities. For example, working with professional athletes or in high-demand sports can command higher salaries. Networking with other professionals in the field can also open doors to better job prospects and higher-paying positions.

Continuing education and certifications can significantly boost earning potential. Obtaining advanced certifications, such as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) or a specialization in sports medicine, can make an individual more competitive in the job market. Gaining experience in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, and sports teams, can also provide a broader skill set and increase earning opportunities. Building a strong reputation through excellent performance and positive reviews can lead to higher-paying positions and client referrals. Finally, staying updated with the latest trends and techniques in athletic training can ensure that skills remain relevant and in demand.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as an athletic trainer:

  1. Specialize in a particular sport or field
  2. Obtain advanced certifications
  3. Gain experience in various settings
  4. Build a strong reputation
  5. Stay updated with the latest trends and techniques

Currently 1,056 Athletic Trainer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Athletic Trainer in the US?

Learn what a Athletic Trainer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Athletic Trainer today.
Position
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Athletic Trainer
1,056 Job Openings