University Head Athletic Trainer Salary in the United States

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

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an University Head Athletic Trainer in the United States is $67,280 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $83,290
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $55,530 to $75,660
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,832
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View as table View as graph 25% $55,530 10% $44,832 90% $83,290 75% $75,660 $67,280 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

University Head Athletic Trainer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $75,660 $6,305 $1,455 $36
Average $67,280 $5,607 $1,294 $32
25th Percentile $55,530 $4,628 $1,068 $27
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Key Factors That Influence University Head Athletic Trainer Salaries

An University Head 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 University Head Athletic Trainer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an University Head 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): $63,422
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $64,299
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $65,526
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $67,530
  • Expert (over 8 years): $70,032
Levels Salary
Entry Level University Head Athletic Trainer$63,422
Intermediate Level University Head Athletic Trainer$64,299
Senior Level University Head Athletic Trainer$65,526
Specialist Level University Head Athletic Trainer$67,530
Expert Level University Head Athletic Trainer$70,032
$63,422 0 yr
$64,299 < 2 yrs
$65,526 2-4 yrs
$67,530 5-8 yrs
$70,032 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for University Head 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: $84,860
  • San Francisco: $84,020
  • Oakland: $82,160

What Skills Can Increase an University Head Athletic Trainer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Goal Setting (Mentioned in 4.68% Job Postings): Identifying, developing and tracking clear goals to support business strategies.
  • First Aid (Mentioned in 3.61% Job Postings): First aid refers to medical attention that is usually administered immediately after the injury occurs and at the location where it occurred.
  • Programming (Mentioned in 2.92% Job Postings): Executing logic to facilitate computing operations and functionality in one or more languages.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Goal Setting 4.68%
First Aid 3.61%
Programming 2.92%
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 University Head Athletic Trainer's salary.
  • Onboarding: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Partnering: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Staff Management: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Onboarding
$76,699
14%
Partnering
$75,354
12%
Staff Management
$74,681
11%
Presentation
$72,662
8%
Programming
$71,990
7%
Verbal Communication
$71,990
7%
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How Education impacts an University Head Athletic Trainer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many University Head Athletic Trainers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 University Head Athletic Trainer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $63,188 and $69,772).

University Head Athletic Trainer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for University Head Athletic Trainer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.7%
High School 2.8%
Associates 0.7%
Bachelors 43.0%
Masters 48.6%
Doctorate 4.2%
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University Head Athletic Trainer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an University Head 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 January 01, 2026

University Head Athletic Trainer Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an University Head 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.

University Head Athletic Trainer Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Men's Athletics Director - Higher Ed. $87,900 31%
College Athletics Director $118,700 76%
Women's Athletics Director - Higher Ed. $87,800 30%

Salary Trends for University Head Athletic Trainer

Salaries for an University Head Athletic Trainer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $64,912 in 2023 to around $65,205 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of University Head Athletic Trainer salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of University Head Athletic Trainer Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$64,912
2024
$65,517
2025
$65,205
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $64,912
2024 $65,517
2025 $65,205
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for University Head Athletic Trainer

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

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

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

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FAQ about University Head Athletic Trainer

1. Where do athletic trainers make the most money?

Athletic trainers earn varying salaries across the U.S., with the average salary for a University Head Athletic Trainer ranging from $57,030 to $82,230. The mid-salary is approximately $68,420. While the East Coast states like the District of Columbia and Massachusetts offer competitive salaries, the overall range reflects the diverse compensation landscape for this profession.

2. What is a NBA coach salary?

The salary of a University Head Athletic Trainer typically ranges from $57,030 to $82,230, with a median salary of $68,420. This data reflects the compensation structure for athletic trainers at the university level, which can vary based on experience and specific institutional factors.

3. How much do TCU athletic trainers make?

The salary for University Head Athletic Trainers ranges from a minimum of $57,030 to a maximum of $82,230, with a mid-range salary of $68,420. This indicates that athletic trainers at TCU can expect to earn within this range, reflecting their experience and responsibilities in the role.

4. Who is the head athletic trainer for the Lakers?

Vanessa Brooks is the head athletic trainer for the Lakers. She previously served as a physical therapist and athletic trainer for the Oklahoma City Thunder for five seasons. The position became available after Roger Sancho left to join the Phoenix Suns. The salary range for this role is between $57,030 and $82,230, with a mid-salary of $68,420.

5. Does the NBA have athletic trainers?

Yes, the NBA employs athletic trainers, essential for maintaining player performance and health. The National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association has been pivotal since 1974. Head athletic trainers in the league can earn between $57,030 and $82,230, with a median salary of $68,420, reflecting the importance of their role in the sport.

6. What is the highest salary for a fitness trainer?

The highest salary for a University Head Athletic Trainer can reach up to $82,230 per year. These professionals are essential in managing athletic programs and ensuring the health and safety of athletes, with salaries typically ranging from a minimum of $57,030 to a mid-level of $68,420.

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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