Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. Salary in the United States

How much does a Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. make in the United States?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. in the United States is $67,301 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $82,277
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $55,428 to $75,140
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,618
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View as table View as graph 25% $55,428 10% $44,618 90% $82,277 75% $75,140 $67,301 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $75,140 $6,262 $1,445 $36
Average $67,301 $5,608 $1,294 $32
25th Percentile $55,428 $4,619 $1,066 $27
Check out Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. Job Openings in the United States
Head Athletic Trainer

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Go4 - Wilberforce, OH

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Key Factors That Influence Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. Salaries

A Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.'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 Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.'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): $63,402
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $64,288
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $65,529
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $67,535
  • Expert (over 8 years): $69,875
Levels Salary
Entry Level Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.$63,402
Intermediate Level Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.$64,288
Senior Level Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.$65,529
Specialist Level Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.$67,535
Expert Level Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.$69,875
$63,402 0 yr
$64,288 < 2 yrs
$65,529 2-4 yrs
$67,535 5-8 yrs
$69,875 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.s

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: $84,887
  • San Francisco: $84,052
  • Oakland: $82,188

What Skills Can Increase a Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.'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 a Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.'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
$76,723
14%
Partnering
$75,377
12%
Staff Management
$74,704
11%
Presentation
$72,685
8%
Programming
$72,012
7%
Verbal Communication
$72,012
7%
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How Education impacts a Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.'s Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.s 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 a Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. with a Bachelor's Degree is between $63,441 and $70,052).

Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.
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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Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.'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, 2026

Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed., 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.

Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Men's Athletics Director $87,873 31%
Athletics Director $118,654 76%
Women's Athletics Director $87,715 30%

Salary Trends for Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.

Salaries for a Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. 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 Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. 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 Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.

Here are companies hiring for Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. 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 Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.

1. Where can a Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. earn the most?

A Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.'s earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. is $84,887.

2. What is the highest pay for Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.?

The highest pay for Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. is $82,277.

3. What is the lowest pay for Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.?

The lowest pay for Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed. is $44,618.

4. What are the responsibilities of Head Athletic Trainer - Higher Ed.?

Plans and directs the athletic training program. Oversees the training room and the care and rehabilitation of student athletes. Responsible for emergency care, injury assessment, and developing rehabilitation plans. Coordinates medical coverage at sporting events. May attend athletic events to evaluate injuries and illnesses and determines whether an athlete can safely return to play or if further medical attention is needed. Offers advice on preventing injuries. May require a master's degree. Requires Athletic Trainer Certification. Typically reports to an athletics director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

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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