Athletic Trainer Salary
by City (2026)
Prevent, diagnose, and treat sports injuries for athletes and active individuals. National median: $55K/year. See how your city compares.
Athletic Trainer salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $55K Athletic Trainer salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βAthletic Trainer Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Athletic Trainer is $55,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $42,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $72,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Athletic Trainers nationally earn $92,000+.
Education and requirements
Bachelor's in Athletic Training; ATC certification; state license. This role is 10% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Athletic Trainer compensation is growing at 8% annually, well above the national average wage growth rate. Demand for qualified Athletic Trainers significantly outpaces supply in most major metros.
Athletic Trainer salary FAQ
How much does a Athletic Trainer make?
The median Athletic Trainer salary in the US is $55,000 per year β about $26/hour. Most earn between $42,000 (25th percentile) and $72,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Athletic Trainer?
Entry-level Athletic Trainer positions typically start around $42,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Athletic Trainers earn?
The top 10% of Athletic Trainers earn $92,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Athletic Trainers the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Athletic Trainer salary at $83K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Athletic Trainer salaries going up?
Yes β Athletic Trainer pay is growing about 8% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.