As of April 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an Athletic Trainer in the United States is $29, which translates to an annual salary of about $59,750.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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An 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 an 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 Athletic Trainer | $57,511 |
| Intermediate Level Athletic Trainer | $57,715 |
| Senior Level Athletic Trainer | $60,282 |
| Specialist Level Athletic Trainer | $63,261 |
| Expert Level Athletic Trainer | $63,474 |
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 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
|
$63,335 |
6%
|
|
Dedication
|
$62,140 |
4%
|
|
Patient Education
|
$61,543 |
3%
|
|
Physical Therapy
|
$60,945 |
2%
|
|
Data Analysis
|
$60,945 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$60,945 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 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 an Athletic Trainer with a No Diploma is between $54,049 and $56,942).
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 an 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 April 01, 2026Salaries for an 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 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
|
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Treats and prevents athletic injuries by developing therapies to reduce pain and improve mobility under the direction of a physician. Assists in exercise instruction and demonstration, patient evaluation and testing. May require state license to practice. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in exercise science, sports science or equivalent. Typically requires certification as a Certified Athletic Trainer. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Coaching: Coaching is a form of development in which an experienced person, called a coach, supports a learner or client in achieving a specific personal or professional goal by providing training and guidance.
First Aid: First aid refers to medical attention that is usually administered immediately after the injury occurs and at the location where it occurred.
Rehabilitation Services: Rehabilitation services is a special healthcare service that help a person regain physical, mental, and/or cognitive (thinking and learning) abilities that have been lost or impaired as a result of disease, injury, or treatment.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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