As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Athletic Trainer in the United States is $59,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Certified Athletic Trainer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
AI Onboarding
A Certified 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Certified 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Athletic Trainer | $57,567 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Athletic Trainer | $57,770 |
| Senior Level Certified Athletic Trainer | $60,330 |
| Specialist Level Certified Athletic Trainer | $63,297 |
| Expert Level Certified Athletic Trainer | $63,509 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Certified Athletic Trainers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Coaching | 3.42% |
| First Aid | 5.99% |
| Rehabilitation Services | 0.96% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Instructing
|
$63,388 |
6%
|
|
Dedication
|
$62,192 |
4%
|
|
Patient Education
|
$61,594 |
3%
|
|
Physical Therapy
|
$60,996 |
2%
|
|
Data Analysis
|
$60,996 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$60,996 |
2%
|
Certified Athletic Trainer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $63,431. While startup companies pay approximate $54,052.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $54,052 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $57,060 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $61,357 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $63,431 |
For Certified Athletic Trainer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Certified Athletic Trainer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Certified Athletic Trainer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $71,760 | $34.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Certified 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 a Certified Athletic Trainer with a No Diploma is between $52,624 and $55,360).
Certified Athletic Trainer Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Certified 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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Certified 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Exercise Physiologist | $67,500 | 13% |
| Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) III | $122,500 | 105% |
Salaries for a Certified Athletic Trainer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $73,623 in 2023 to around $71,573 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Certified Athletic Trainer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $73,623 |
| 2024 | $72,722 |
| 2025 | $71,573 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Certified Athletic Trainer and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Athletic Trainer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Certified Athletic Trainer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Certified Athletic Trainers typically earn between $52,600 and $63,300 annually, with a median salary of around $57,600. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and specific roles within the field.
NBA athletic trainers typically earn between $52,600 and $63,300 annually, with a median salary around $57,600. Factors such as experience, location, and the specific team can influence these figures.
Athletic trainers in California must obtain state licensure from the California Board of Athletic Training. This process includes submitting official transcripts, proof of BOC certification, and any additional required documents. Salaries for certified athletic trainers range from $52,600 to $63,300, with a median salary of $57,600.
The highest paid Certified Athletic Trainer can earn up to $63,300 annually. The salary range for this profession typically starts at a minimum of $52,600, with a mid-range salary of $57,600. This reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field.
Athletic trainers may receive bonuses, with the average bonus being around $756, which is about 1.55% of their salary. Only 5% report receiving a bonus annually. Certified Athletic Trainers earn between $52,600 and $63,300, with a mid-salary of $57,600. In some areas, total compensation can significantly exceed the national average.
The salary of a Certified Athletic Trainer typically ranges from $52,600 to $63,300, with a median salary of around $57,600. While specific figures for NFL waterboys are not widely published, they may earn a salary within a similar range, depending on experience and team budget.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
