Thinking about a career in athletic training? You’re probably wondering: how much do athletic trainers make? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for athletic trainers is $61,540 as of May 2023. But that’s just the average (BLS, 2023); your earning potential increases with the right mix of education, experience, certifications, and location.
A master’s degree, now the standard educational requirement, will push your income even higher, especially if you work with professional sports teams or in high-demand metropolitan areas. In fact, some certified athletic trainers working in elite settings earn well over $80,000, and those in top-paying industries see salaries close to $99,000.
We break down the current athletic trainer’s salary, explore the factors that influence earnings, and show you how to build a rewarding career in the athletic training field, whether you’re just starting out or aiming for the top tier.
Unveiling Athletic Trainer Earnings
The question on many people’s minds: How much does an athletic trainer make? The answer depends on several factors, but one thing is clear: becoming a certified athletic trainer pays off.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for athletic trainers was $61,540 as of May 2023. But that’s just the middle of the pack. The salary range stretches from about $43,000 to over $80,000, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. In some elite roles, like those working with professional sports teams, athletic trainers make close to six figures.
What Impacts an Athletic Trainer’s Salary?
A certified athletic trainer’s income is influenced by several important factors:
- Education level – As of 2022, a master’s degree is the minimum requirement to enter the athletic training field.
- Professional certifications – The right credentials boost credibility and open doors to higher compensation.
- Additional skills – Expertise in injury prevention, therapeutic modalities, or sports-related injuries adds significant value.
- Years of experience – Your earning potential increases as you gain experience and build a reputation in the field.
Geographic Variations in Athletic Trainer Wages
Where you work makes a big difference. According to BLS data, some states and metro areas offer much higher pay:
- Washington, D.C. – $89,720
- California – $72,840
- New Jersey – $77,540
- New York – $71,410
- Illinois – $72,320
These metropolitan areas often house more competitive roles with professional sports organizations or educational services that pay top dollar for experienced training staff.
Experience = Earnings
Years of experience strongly impact an athletic trainer’s salary. New professionals may start near the $43,000 mark, but seasoned trainers, especially those with additional certifications or supervisory roles, earn double that. According to long-term labor data, the median wage for athletic trainers has increased by over 39% since 2004.
As more athletes and schools recognize the importance of injury prevention, treatment options, and long-term performance care, the demand for skilled athletic trainers continues to rise.
From high school sidelines to the National Athletic Trainers Association and beyond, this is a rewarding career with real upward momentum for those willing to keep learning, growing, and training.
Where Athletic Trainers Work
Athletic trainers work in more places than you might think. While many picture them taping ankles courtside or sprinting to assist injured athletes, their reach goes beyond game day. Today’s athletic training field stretches into education, healthcare, corporate wellness, and even the military, making it one of the most versatile roles in sports and health services.
Here’s a look at where athletic trainers make a big impact and how those settings shape their salary range and career path.
The Heart of the Action
Working in secondary schools, colleges, or on professional sports teams, athletic trainers are often embedded in the training staff, working hands-on with athletes day in and day out. Here, they’re focused on:
- Injury prevention during practices and games
- On-the-spot treatment options for sports-related injuries
- Long-term rehabilitation planning
- Educating athletes and coaches on therapeutic modalities and best practices
These roles come with the thrill of live events, and depending on the level of the team or school, some of the most competitive salaries in the industry.
The Clinical Track
In hospitals, sports medicine clinics, and outpatient rehabilitation centers, athletic trainers work with physical therapists, speech therapists, and doctors to address a wider variety of patient needs. Rather than focusing only on athletes, these trainers:
- Evaluate and treat patients of all ages
- Create customized recovery plans
- Support long-term injury management
- Assist in post-operative care
Working in healthcare often means more structured hours and access to better professional development tools, plus competitive pay in urban metropolitan areas.
Corporate, Military & Industrial Careers
Not every athletic trainer’s employment takes place in a gym, school, or stadium. Industrial settings and corporate health programs are growing sectors where certified athletic trainers thrive. These roles focus on keeping employees healthy, safe, and productive, and may include:
- Ergonomic assessments and workstation adjustments
- Developing company-wide wellness initiatives
- Tracking injury data and metrics reporting
- Providing on-site injury care and referrals
In the military, athletic trainers serve an essential function, training soldiers like athletes, preventing overuse injuries, and promoting peak performance. These unique paths may not be what most people envision when they ask how much athletic trainers make, but they often come with excellent benefits, steady employment, and a high degree of job security.
How a Master’s Degree Impacts Athletic Trainer Salaries
If you’re serious about climbing the athletic training ladder, there’s one credential that stands above the rest: a master’s degree. As of 2022, it’s not just a bonus, it’s a requirement. And it pays off.
According to current industry data, certified athletic trainers with a master’s level education earn well above their peers with only a bachelor’s degree. The national salary range for these advanced professionals generally falls between $52,774 and $82,000+, with some seasoned trainers earning even more in metropolitan areas or with elite training staff.
Why Higher Education Means Higher Compensation
A master’s degree isn’t just a box to check; it is a powerful tool for increasing your earning potential and expanding your career path. Athletic trainers with graduate-level education tend to:
- Qualify for supervisory or leadership roles
- Land higher-paying jobs in professional sports, hospitals, or corporate health
- Gain deeper knowledge in therapeutic modalities, clinical diagnosis, and emergency care
- Access more opportunities for professional development and specialization
In a field where health, performance, and prevention intersect, those with the most advanced training are in high demand, and the salary reflects that.
Becoming a Master-Level Athletic Trainer: What to Expect
Getting there takes commitment. Most athletic training master’s programs are 2 years long and include both classroom learning and clinical experience. Coursework typically covers:
- Emergency medical care and injury evaluation
- Clinical diagnosis and treatment options for sports-related injuries
- Rehabilitation techniques and therapeutic skills
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with physical therapists, speech therapists, and physicians
Once completed, graduates are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam and begin working as a certified athletic trainer.
Whether you want to work with NFL athletic trainers, build a legacy in secondary schools, or lead a wellness program for a Fortune 500 company, advanced education gives you leverage. In this competitive and evolving industry, a master’s degree isn’t just an investment in academics; it’s an investment in your salary, your impact, and your long-term success.
How to Grow Your Salary as an Athletic Trainer
If you’re wondering how to move from entry-level earnings to top-tier compensation, you’re not alone. Many athletic trainers ask, “What’s the smartest way to increase my salary over time?” The good news? Your earning potential increases as you level up your experience, credentials, and career strategy.
Here’s a simple roadmap for how to do just that, based on real data and smart career planning.
Salary Growth Snapshot
- Starting salary: Around $43,000–$48,000 for newer certified athletic trainers
- Mid-career average: $57,930, according to the latest BLS data
- High-end potential: $80,000+, especially in professional sports, spectator sports, or senior leadership roles
- Top states: D.C., New Jersey, California, New York, Illinois
- Projected job growth: 19% by 2028, much faster than average
7 Ways to Increase Your Athletic Trainer Salary
- Earn a Master’s Degree: Since 2022, it’s the required entry point, but going above and beyond with a strong graduate program gives you a hiring edge and opens doors to higher-paying roles in clinical or professional sports settings.
- Specialize in a Niche: Focus on high-demand areas like orthopedic rehab, concussion protocols, or military readiness. These specialties command higher pay and set you apart from other athletic trainers in your field.
- Get Additional Certifications: Adding a CPT certification or credentials in manual therapy, ergonomics, or strength and conditioning can bump up your value and broaden your training staff opportunities.
- Target High-Paying Industries: Roles in spectator sports, secondary schools, or corporate wellness programs consistently pay more than outpatient clinics or entry-level rehab roles.
- Relocate Strategically: Metropolitan areas and certain states offer dramatically higher salaries. For example, D.C. averages $89,720, while California and New Jersey also sit well above the national mean.
- Network Like a Pro: Join the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, attend industry events, and stay active in local and national communities. Networking can lead to mentorship, job leads, and inside info on high-paying openings.
- Invest in Professional Development: Stay sharp. Attend workshops, read up on therapeutic modalities, and keep up with trends in sports-related injuries. Employers are more likely to invest in athletic trainers who stay current.
Bonus Tip: Know Your Worth, And Ask for It
When it’s time to negotiate your salary, don’t just accept the first offer. Come prepared with:
- Local and national salary data (like BLS stats and industry reports)
- A clear outline of your value: certifications, clinical outcomes, team impact
- Confidence, especially if you’ve built a reputation for reducing injuries, improving recovery times, or managing large training staff teams
You don’t have to jump careers to earn more; you just need a plan. With the right mix of education, specialization, and strategic moves, a career in athletic training is as financially rewarding as it is fulfilling.
Train Hard, Earn Smart
Whether you’re taping ankles for a high school team, working with professional athletes, or leading injury prevention programs in a corporate setting, your athletic training career has serious income potential if you play it right.
From earning your master’s degree to stacking up certifications, choosing the right work setting, and building your professional network, every step you take can help you boost your athletic trainer salary. And don’t forget the behind-the-scenes MVPs: smart financial planning, solid contract negotiation, and the right coverage.
Protect your work and reputation with affordable Athletic Trainer insurance from Athletic Trainer Insurance Plus. Insure Fitness Group works in tandem with our good friends at Athletic Trainer Insurance Plus and we are happy to say that athletic trainers will not find a better policy. Designed to cover the real risks athletic trainers face every day, and adds a layer of professional credibility that clients and employers notice.
Know your worth. Ask for it. Grow your income. And make sure you’re covered while you do it. Because of your future as an athletic trainer? It’s looking strong.
