How much does a Athletic Trainer make?
Athletic trainers play a vital role in helping athletes and others stay healthy. They work with coaches, doctors, and other healthcare providers to prevent injuries and support recovery. The average yearly salary for an athletic trainer is around $62,176. This means that most athletic trainers earn a good living.
The salary for athletic trainers can vary based on experience and location. Those just starting out may earn closer to $40,000 per year. With more experience, salaries can rise significantly. The top 10% of earners make over $105,000 annually. This shows that there are good opportunities for growth in this field. Athletic trainers who work in larger cities or with professional sports teams often earn higher salaries. Those who work in schools or smaller clinics may earn less, but still a good income.
What are the highest paying cities for a Athletic Trainer?

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Springfield, MA
Average Salary: $152,865
In Springfield, professionals find rewarding opportunities in sports medicine. The city's healthcare facilities, including Baystate Health, offer dynamic environments. Working here means collaborating with top-tier medical teams.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $93,577
Bakersfield provides a vibrant setting for those in sports medicine. The city's growing sports scene offers many chances to work with local teams. The warm climate makes it ideal for outdoor sports and activities.
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Bend, OR
Average Salary: $87,736
Bend is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The city's active lifestyle attracts many sports professionals. Working here means enjoying a healthy work-life balance in a beautiful setting.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $81,628
Sacramento offers a dynamic environment for sports medicine experts. The city's sports teams and schools provide many opportunities. The capital city's vibrant culture adds to the professional experience.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $81,042
Riverside is a great place for those in sports medicine. The city's sports facilities and schools offer diverse opportunities. Working here means being part of a community that values health and fitness.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $80,883
San Francisco provides a unique setting for sports medicine professionals. The city's tech-driven culture and sports teams offer many opportunities. Working here means being in a fast-paced environment with a focus on innovation.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $76,820
Modesto offers a welcoming environment for sports medicine experts. The city's schools and local sports teams provide many opportunities. Working here means being part of a close-knit community.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $75,967
Los Angeles is a hub for sports medicine professionals. The city's entertainment industry and sports teams offer many opportunities. Working here means being in a dynamic and diverse environment.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $71,504
San Jose offers a vibrant setting for sports medicine experts. The city's tech industry and sports teams provide many opportunities. Working here means being part of a fast-paced and innovative environment.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $70,763
San Diego provides a perfect environment for those in sports medicine. The city's beautiful climate and sports teams offer many opportunities. Working here means being in a healthy and active community.
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What are the best companies a Athletic Trainer can work for?

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Russell Tobin & Associates
Average Salary: $91,341
Russell Tobin & Associates offers competitive salaries for Athletic Trainers. They work with various sports teams and fitness centers across the country. Locations include major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
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FIT FOR WORK
Average Salary: $86,046
FIT FOR WORK provides a supportive environment for Athletic Trainers. They focus on workplace wellness and injury prevention. They operate in several states, including California, New York, and Texas.
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Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists
Average Salary: $82,000
Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists offers a good salary for Athletic Trainers. They work with professional athletes and sports teams. They are located in the Syracuse area, providing specialized care.
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YMCA
Average Salary: $80,000
YMCA offers a solid salary for Athletic Trainers. They focus on community health and fitness. They have locations nationwide, providing diverse opportunities.
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Work Right NW
Average Salary: $78,429
Work Right NW provides a competitive salary for Athletic Trainers. They focus on workplace wellness and injury prevention. They operate in the Pacific Northwest, including Washington and Oregon.
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Northwell Health
Average Salary: $74,690
Northwell Health offers a good salary for Athletic Trainers. They work with professional athletes and sports teams. They are located in the New York metropolitan area.
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ATI Physical Therapy
Average Salary: $72,657
ATI Physical Therapy provides a solid salary for Athletic Trainers. They focus on rehabilitation and sports medicine. They have locations across the United States.
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Mercyhealth
Average Salary: $70,693
Mercyhealth offers a good salary for Athletic Trainers. They work with sports teams and fitness centers. They operate in Wisconsin and Illinois.
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Briotix Health
Average Salary: $69,400
Briotix Health provides a competitive salary for Athletic Trainers. They focus on sports medicine and rehabilitation. They are located in the Midwest, including Ohio and Indiana.
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NYU Langone Health
Average Salary: $68,935
NYU Langone Health offers a good salary for Athletic Trainers. They work with professional athletes and sports teams. They are located in New York City.
How to earn more as a Athletic Trainer?
Becoming an Athletic Trainer offers a rewarding career path, but like any profession, there are ways to enhance earning potential. By focusing on specific areas, an Athletic Trainer can increase their salary and job satisfaction. One key factor is gaining additional certifications. These can include specialties such as sports nutrition or emergency care, which make a trainer more versatile and valuable.
Another important factor is gaining experience. Working in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, or professional sports teams, provides a broader skill set and increases marketability. Networking with other professionals in the field can also lead to higher-paying opportunities. Continuing education and staying updated on the latest techniques and technologies in sports medicine can further boost earning potential. Finally, seeking positions in high-demand areas or with higher-paying organizations can make a significant difference in salary.
Here are five factors to consider for increasing earnings as an Athletic Trainer:
- Certifications: Obtain additional certifications in specialized areas.
- Experience: Work in diverse settings to build a versatile skill set.
- Networking: Connect with other professionals to discover new opportunities.
- Education: Pursue continuous learning to stay current with industry trends.
- Location and Organization: Seek positions in high-demand areas or with higher-paying employers.



