Athletic trainers prevent, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses in athletes and physically active individuals.
They work in professional sports teams, college athletics, high schools, sports medicine clinics, military settings, and performing arts.
As of 2026, the median annual wage for athletic trainers is approximately $53,270 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Salaries vary significantly by work setting, geographic location, and whether the trainer works at the professional, collegiate, or secondary school level.
For related health and fitness career comparisons, the physical therapist salary, physical therapist assistant salary, and personal trainer salary offer useful benchmarks for candidates evaluating sports medicine career paths.
Athletic Trainer Salary Overview
The BLS reports a median annual wage of approximately $53,270 for athletic trainers.
The bottom 10% earn approximately $37,000, while the top 10% earn more than $79,000.
Professional sports team athletic trainers can earn substantially above the median, while high school positions tend to pay below it.
Athletic trainers curious about how their earnings compare to other rehabilitation professionals may want to review the occupational therapist salary and the speech therapist salary.
For a complete breakdown of how any hourly wage in these ranges translates to annual, monthly, weekly, and after-tax take-home, see our hourly-to-annual salary conversion guides.
Salary by Work Setting
Professional sports teams (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) employ athletic trainers at salaries well above the national median, often $70,000 to $100,000 or more for team trainers.
College and university athletic programs offer competitive salaries with academic benefits.
High school athletic trainer positions often pay the least but may include teaching duties with a combined teaching/AT salary.
Sports medicine clinics pay near the median. High school ATs interested in transitioning to full-time teaching roles can also compare the teacher salary and the high school teacher salary for that combined-role context.
Education and Licensure
Athletic trainers must complete a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) accredited master's degree program (required since 2022 for new graduates) and pass the BOC (Board of Certification) exam.
State licensure or certification is required in most states.
Graduate students entering the workforce with student loan debt may benefit from reviewing the student loan interest deduction and evaluating income-driven repayment options for federal loans.
Job Outlook
The BLS projects employment of athletic trainers to grow by approximately 14% through 2032, much faster than the national average.
Expanding sports medicine clinics, growing awareness of sports injury prevention, and broader employment in military and performing arts settings drive growth.
Athletic trainers entering or mid-career should review salary negotiation tactics and set personal savings benchmarks aligned with their income trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for an athletic trainer in 2026?
The median annual wage is approximately $53,270 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How much do NFL or professional sports athletic trainers earn?
Professional sports team athletic trainers can earn $70,000 to over $100,000 annually, well above the national median, depending on the team, sport, and years of experience.
What degree is required to become an athletic trainer?
As of 2022, new athletic trainers must complete a CAATE-accredited master's degree program. An ATC (Athletic Trainer Certified) credential from the Board of Certification is required for practice.
Can athletic trainers work in settings other than sports?
Yes. Athletic trainers work in military settings, industrial rehabilitation, performing arts medicine, and physician offices, broadening career options beyond traditional sports environments.
Is athletic training a growing field?
Yes. The BLS projects 14% employment growth through 2032, driven by expanding sports medicine services, injury prevention programs, and non-traditional employment settings.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Athletic Trainers — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/athletic-trainers.htm
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — Athletic Trainers — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes299091.htm
- Board of Certification — ATC Credential — https://www.bocatc.org/
Last updated: April 27, 2026