How much does a Athletic Trainer make?
An athletic trainer plays a key role in helping athletes perform at their best. People in this career work with coaches, athletes, and other medical staff. They help prevent injuries, provide treatment, and work on rehabilitation. The average yearly salary for an athletic trainer is around $62,674. This number can change based on experience, location, and the type of employer.
Looking at specific salary ranges, many athletic trainers earn between $40,000 and $58,559 per year. About 17% of trainers earn in this range. Another 17% earn between $58,559 and $64,745. As trainers gain more experience and move up in their careers, they often see higher salaries. The top 10% of earners make over $101,864 each year. This shows that there is good potential for growth in this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Athletic Trainer?

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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $95,240
Working as a trainer in Bakersfield offers a chance to engage with athletes in a vibrant community. Many local sports teams and schools rely on professionals to maintain peak physical condition. Notable employers include Bakersfield College and the various sports programs in the area.
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Springfield, MA
Average Salary: $93,961
In Springfield, you'll find opportunities with local schools and sports organizations. The city's strong emphasis on youth sports means a steady demand for your skills. Major employers include the Springfield Thunderbirds and nearby colleges.
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Bend, OR
Average Salary: $87,736
Bend's outdoor lifestyle offers unique challenges and rewards for trainers. The city's active community seeks professionals to support various sports and outdoor activities. Employers include local ski resorts and outdoor sports clubs.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $82,990
Sacramento provides a bustling environment with numerous sports teams and schools. The capital city's active youth and professional athletes offer diverse experiences. Look for opportunities with local universities and sports franchises.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $82,318
San Francisco's competitive sports scene is always in need of skilled trainers. The city's professional teams and fitness enthusiasts provide a dynamic work environment. Major employers include the San Francisco 49ers and tech companies with strong athletic programs.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $81,744
Riverside offers a balanced lifestyle with plenty of opportunities in sports and education. The city’s universities and local sports teams create a steady demand for trainers. Consider working with Riverside City College or local sports clubs.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $78,572
Modesto's growing sports scene offers promising opportunities for trainers. The city's focus on youth sports and community programs means you'll be in demand. Employers include local schools and sports organizations.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $76,792
San Jose's tech-driven environment creates unique needs for athletic trainers. The city's focus on sports health and wellness makes it a great place to work. Look for openings with tech companies and local sports teams.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $76,399
Los Angeles offers a vibrant sports culture with many opportunities for trainers. The city's professional teams and fitness centers create a dynamic work setting. Notable employers include the LA Lakers and major sports franchises.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $71,577
San Diego's active lifestyle provides a great environment for athletic trainers. The city's strong emphasis on sports and wellness offers diverse experiences. Employers include local sports teams and fitness clubs.
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What are the best companies a Athletic Trainer can work for?

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Russell Tobin & Associates
Average Salary: $88,125
Russell Tobin & Associates offers exciting opportunities for Athletic Trainers. They work with a variety of clients across different sports and fitness facilities. The company operates nationwide, providing diverse experiences for their trainers.
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Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists
Average Salary: $82,000
Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists is a leading healthcare provider. They offer competitive salaries for Athletic Trainers. The company focuses on sports medicine and rehabilitation. They have multiple locations in upstate New York.
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Work Right NW
Average Salary: $80,807
Work Right NW offers excellent benefits and a supportive work environment. They work with professional athletes and sports teams. The company operates primarily in the Pacific Northwest, with a strong presence in Seattle.
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Seattle Children's
Average Salary: $78,926
Seattle Children's is a renowned pediatric healthcare system. They provide quality care for young athletes. The company operates in Washington, Montana, and Alaska, offering various locations for Athletic Trainers.
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YMCA
Average Salary: $78,182
YMCA offers a positive and dynamic work environment. They focus on community health and wellness. The company has locations across the United States, providing diverse opportunities for Athletic Trainers.
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Northwell Health
Average Salary: $75,480
Northwell Health is one of New York's largest healthcare providers. They offer excellent benefits and career growth. The company operates in multiple locations throughout New York City and Long Island.
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ATI Physical Therapy
Average Salary: $71,330
ATI Physical Therapy is a leader in outpatient physical therapy. They offer comprehensive training for Athletic Trainers. The company operates in several states, providing diverse experiences for their employees.
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Mercyhealth
Average Salary: $70,202
Mercyhealth offers a supportive and caring work environment. They focus on providing quality healthcare services. The company operates in Illinois and Wisconsin, offering various opportunities for Athletic Trainers.
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NYU Langone Health
Average Salary: $69,236
NYU Langone Health is a top-tier healthcare system. They offer excellent training and career development. The company operates in New York City, providing diverse experiences for Athletic Trainers.
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Briotix Health
Average Salary: $68,864
Briotix Health focuses on sports medicine and injury prevention. They offer a collaborative work environment. The company operates in several states, providing various opportunities for Athletic Trainers.
How to earn more as a Athletic Trainer?
An Athletic Trainer can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. One important factor is gaining certifications beyond the basic requirements. For example, becoming certified in sports nutrition or strength and conditioning can open doors to higher-paying positions. Specializations such as working with professional athletes or in sports medicine clinics also tend to offer better compensation.
Another way to boost income is to pursue advanced degrees. A master's or doctoral degree in sports medicine or related fields can lead to higher-paying jobs. Many employers value advanced education and are willing to pay more for experienced professionals. Experience also matters significantly. Working in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, or professional sports teams, can provide valuable experience that makes a candidate more competitive.
Networking and staying current with industry trends can also increase earnings. Joining professional organizations and attending conferences allows trainers to build relationships and learn about the latest techniques. Continuing education and professional development show dedication to the field and can lead to more opportunities and higher salaries. Finally, negotiating salary and benefits effectively can result in a more substantial paycheck. Researching market rates and being confident during salary discussions can lead to better offers.
Consider these strategies to enhance earning potential:
- Gain additional certifications.
- Pursue advanced degrees.
- Gain experience in various settings.
- Network and stay current with industry trends.
- Negotiate salary and benefits effectively.



