Athletic Trainer Salary 2025: $62,520 Median, Fast-Growth Career
Athletic trainers earned a median salary of $62,520 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% made over $88,760, while the bottom 10% earned less than $48,180. The mean wage is $66,620, or roughly $30 per hour. With employment of 30,500 and projected growth of 11.1% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than the average occupation—it's a field worth a serious look if you want to work in sports medicine without becoming a physician.
How much Athletic Trainers earn
The median annual pay for athletic trainers is $62,520. Half earn between $48,180 (10th percentile) and $88,760 (90th percentile). Your actual paycheck depends on the setting—colleges, pro sports, hospitals, or clinics—and your experience.
Athletic trainers working in spectator sports (think pro teams) tend to earn higher wages, but those jobs are fewer. About 40% work in colleges and universities, where pay often falls in the mid-range. Hospitals and physical therapy offices also employ significant numbers.
Pay by state
Where you live matters a lot. California pays the most, with an average annual wage of $78,490. Hawaii ($76,320), New Jersey ($76,210), D.C. ($74,450), and New Mexico ($72,440) round out the top five.
At the lower end, Iowa averages $55,430, West Virginia $50,510, and Alabama $46,940—more than $30,000 less than California. Cost of living accounts for some of that gap, but not all: Alabama's average is barely above the national 10th percentile.
How to become Athletic Trainer
You need a master's degree in athletic training from a CAATE-accredited program. That's now the standard entry-level education (it used to be a bachelor's). Most programs take two years after an undergraduate degree.
You also must pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam to become a certified athletic trainer, or ATC. Every state requires licensure, which typically includes BOC certification and sometimes a state exam. Graduate programs include clinical hours—often 1,000+—so you'll get hands-on experience before you work.
- Earn a bachelor's degree (any major, but often in exercise science or biology)
- Complete a CAATE-accredited master's program in athletic training (2 years)
- Pass the BOC certification exam
- Apply for state licensure (requirements vary slightly by state)
Job outlook
Employment for athletic trainers is projected to grow 11.1% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the 6% average for all occupations. The BLS expects about 2,400 openings each year, mostly from retirements and turnover.
Demand is rising as more people recognize the value of athletic trainers in preventing and treating injuries—not just in sports, but also in hospitals, the military, and performing arts. The pandemic also pushed more schools and clinics to hire trainers for safety roles.
Frequently asked questions
Do athletic trainers make good money?
The median salary is $62,520, which is above the national median for all occupations ($48,060). Top earners make over $88,760, and wages vary significantly by state and employer.
Is a master's degree required to become an athletic trainer?
Yes. As of 2024, a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program is the minimum education required for certification and state licensure.
What is the job growth for athletic trainers?
The BLS projects 11.1% growth from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, with about 2,400 job openings per year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Athletic Trainers data.