American athletic trainers have a crucial role to play in sport, in terms of providing injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services in a variety of industries. Salaries for athletic trainers can range widely, depending upon company, sport, gender, location, and level of experience. This manual presents a broad breakdown of top employer, sport field, gender, and region-based athletic trainer salaries. It covers potential salaries in different places of employment, including professional sport franchises to college athletics departments, and also covers career progression for athletic trainers, certifications, and earning.
1. Average Athletic Trainer Salary Overview
The US average salary for an athletic trainer as of 2025 is around $52,000. Salaries, however, differ in accordance with experience, place of work, and working institution.
| Level of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $42,000 – $48,000 |
| Mid-Career | $52,000 – $60,000 |
| Experienced | $65,000 – $72,000 |
| Senior Level | $75,000 – $85,000 |
2. Athletic Trainer Salary by Company
There are different salaries given to athletic trainers by different organizations, most prominently by professional and college sport organizations. Here’s a glimpse of typical salaries offered by major USA organizations.
| Company | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| National Football League (NFL) | $80,000 |
| Major League Baseball (MLB) | $77,000 |
| National Basketball Association (NBA) | $85,000 |
| Nike | $70,000 |
| Adidas | $68,000 |
| ESPN | $62,000 |
| Gatorade Sports Science Institute | $58,000 |
| University Athletic Departments | $45,000 – $60,000 |
| Orthopedic Clinics | $55,000 – $65,000 |
| Physical Therapy Clinics | $50,000 – $58,000 |
3. Athletic Trainer Salary by Field of Sport
Salaries of athletic trainers vary widely depending upon sport, as different sports carry different demands and threats. Given below are the top 10 sport professions along with their average salaries.
| Field of Sport | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Football | $85,000 |
| Basketball | $83,000 |
| Baseball | $75,000 |
| Soccer | $70,000 |
| Hockey | $78,000 |
| Tennis | $65,000 |
| Golf | $60,000 |
| Track and Field | $55,000 |
| Gymnastics | $57,000 |
| Wrestling | $52,000 |
4. Athletic Trainer Salary by Gender
Salary differences between male and female athletic trainers are gradually decreasing, though a slight disparity remains. Here’s the average athletic trainer salary by gender in 2024:
| Gender | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Male | $53,000 |
| Female | $50,000 |
The salary differences may be attributed to specific sports or roles where demand and pay differ by gender within certain teams or organizations.
5. Athletic Trainer Salary by Geographic Location
Salaries for athletic trainers also vary by region due to differences in cost of living and local demand. Here’s a breakdown by region:
| Region | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Northeast | $55,000 |
| Midwest | $52,000 |
| South | $50,000 |
| West | $58,000 |
In high-cost areas like California or New York, athletic trainers tend to earn at the higher end of the spectrum due to the higher cost of living.
6. Salary Comparison in Different Employment Settings
The type of employment setting influences athletic trainer salaries. Trainers working in high-performance sports settings or with private organizations often earn more than those in educational institutions or public health settings.
| Employment Setting | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Professional Sports Teams | $80,000 |
| University Athletic Departments | $60,000 |
| High Schools | $45,000 |
| Sports Clinics | $55,000 |
| Corporate Wellness Programs | $50,000 |
7. Athletic Trainer Salary Growth Potential
Athletic trainers have growth opportunities in both salary and position with experience, additional certifications, and specialization in high-demand sports.
| Years of Experience | Average Salary Growth |
|---|---|
| 1 – 3 Years | 5% |
| 4 – 6 Years | 8% |
| 7 – 10 Years | 12% |
| 10+ Years | 15% |
Certifications That Boost Salary:
- Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC): Recognized across many professional sports organizations.
- Board of Certification (BOC) Certified: Commonly required for positions in clinical and university settings.
- Specialization in Emergency Care: Provides added value in high-risk sports, increasing salary potential.
Job Role and Responsibilities of an Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers are health care providers who occupy a niche in preventing, diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating injuries among sport participants. The following is a closer examination of their core duties…
- Injury Prevention: Develop conditioning programs, advise on safe practices, and educate athletes on injury prevention.
- Assessment and Diagnosis: Perform immediate assessments and identify sports-related injuries to provide appropriate care.
- Treatment and Rehabilitation: Develop treatment plans, apply therapeutic exercises, and assist in the recovery process to return athletes to optimal function.
- Emergency Care: Provide emergency first aid, including stabilizing injuries and coordinating with medical personnel when necessary.
- Education and Documentation: Educate athletes and coaches on injury risks and proper techniques, and maintain accurate records of assessments and treatments.
Athletic trainers often work with a variety of professionals, such as physical therapists, nutritionists, and coaches, to provide comprehensive care for athletes.
Qualifications for an Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers are required to have specialized education, certifications, and skills to work in this field. Here are the common qualifications and certifications needed:
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree: Most athletic trainers hold a bachelor’s degree in athletic training, kinesiology, or a related field.
- Master’s Degree (recommended): A master’s in athletic training is increasingly common, especially for positions in high-demand fields like professional sports and research-based programs.
Certifications
- Board of Certification (BOC) Certification: Required to practice as an athletic trainer in most states. The BOC certification ensures proficiency in various areas, including injury care, treatment, and emergency response.
- Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT): In addition to the BOC certification, many states require licensure to practice, which may involve passing state-specific exams or meeting additional requirements.
- Specialty Certifications (optional): Many athletic trainers choose to specialize further with certifications in areas such as emergency care, performance enhancement, or rehabilitation to increase earning potential and open doors to advanced career opportunities.
Skills
- Analytical Skills: Ability to assess injuries and create effective treatment plans.
- Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to interact with athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals.
- Physical Stamina: Physical endurance to work on-site, often for extended hours, at practices, games, or training sessions.
Conclusion
USA athletic trainer salaries grant a satisfying career with prospects for advancement, particularly in professional athletics and high-demand areas. The salary varies, however, with factors like sport, working conditions, location, and level of experience. Despite increasing needs, individuals interested in pursuing careers as athletic trainers have a wide variety of jobs to choose from in diverse industries with equal pay and benefits.
