What is athletic training? Part 2: Salaries
Athletic Trainers (ATs) play a crucial role in preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries in active populations. They work to ensure that proper medical care is provided, rehabilitation is executed, and the return from any injuries is done as quickly and safely as possible.
As a result, the demand for certified athletic trainers is on the rise so in part 2 of our blog series, we’re analyzing a common question which is: how much does an athletic trainer make?
Now, let’s explore compensation and salaries in the AT profession, which can vary based on several factors.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for athletic trainers was $48,440 as of May 2020. The top 10% of athletic trainers earn over $73,400 per year, while the bottom 10% earn less than $29,520 per year.
However, just one year later, the NATA released its 2021 executive summary of the salary survey which showed the average national salary for athletic trainers as $61,998, suggesting the upward trend of salaries in the profession.
“Maintaining a continued trend upward since 2016, the national average salary for certified/licensed athletic trainers rose by 8 percent between 2018 and 2021.”
But, here’s what it really comes down to…
The average salary for certified athletic trainers varies depending on several factors, including location, years of experience, and level of education.
So, let’s break each of these factors down for a better understanding.
Location is a significant factor in determining the average salary for certified ATs. For example, ATs in California, New York, and Massachusetts typically earn higher salaries compared to those in other states such as Mississippi and Arkansas where ATs typically earn lower salaries.
Years of experience are another factor that influences the average salary for ATs. The experience an AT has under their belt directly correlates with the compensation they can command so as with most careers, the more experience the better. According to PayScale, athletic trainers with 1 to 4 years of experience earn an average salary of $46,000 per year, while those with 5 to 9 years of experience earn an average salary of $51,000 per year. Athletic trainers with 10 to 19 years of experience earn an average salary of $58,000 per year, and those with 20 or more years of experience earn an average salary of $62,000 per year.
The level of education also plays a role in determining the average salary for ATs. According to the BLS, ATs who hold a bachelor's degree earn a median salary of $48,440 per year, while those who hold a master's degree earn a median salary of $52,050 per year. It is also important to note the transition to a Master’s requirement and how that impacts salary as well. Read more on that here.
A few other considerations…
Gender is another factor to consider. In the NATA’s 2021 executive summary of the salary survey, it stated, “Women athletic trainers continue to earn less than men. Between 2016 and 2018, the gap was closing as women’s salaries increased by over $3,000 compared to an approximate increase of only $1,800 for men. However, from 2018 to 2021, men’s average salaries increased by nearly $6,500 compared to just $4,100 for women athletic trainers, creating a disparity of over $11,000 in average salary.” At ATvantage, we don’t have this discrepancy which is something we’re extremely proud of. To read more on this, visit our 2022 Annual Market Research blog here.
The setting you plan to work in should also be taken into account. ATs who work for professional sports teams typically earn higher salaries compared to those who work in other settings, such as high schools or colleges. Athletic trainers who work for colleges and universities typically earn an average salary of $47,000 per year, while those who work for professional sports teams earn an average salary of $60,000 per year.
As you can see, a lot plays into what determines an ATs salary. Although we can’t give you a clear-cut amount that you could expect to earn as an AT, the information above paints a picture of where you’ll most likely start and where you can get with the more experience and education you have.
Something we take pride in is that the data suggests our contract rates are higher than any other hourly compensation offered in all markets we are currently staffing. Learn more about our opportunities HERE.
For data you can use to negotiate with current and prospective employers we encourage you to check out NATA’s salary survey which is conducted every 2 years and “provides a snapshot of the profession as a whole from an earnings standpoint but are also searchable and shows how specific variables affect the average salary.”
In conclusion, ATs play an important role in ensuring the health and well-being of those they serve. The average salary they can earn for their valuable contribution to patients varies depending on several factors, but as with most professions, the more experience and education you have, the more you can make!
If you work a traditional role in athletic training but are looking to make some extra cash via per diem opportunities send us your information HERE.
If you want a behind-the-scenes look into how we conduct market research to determine competitive salaries in the region you desire to work in, download our free guide on how to prep for your next job HERE.
We hope that by breaking down what factors into compensation, you have a better idea of what ATs earn each year and how to focus your efforts to get to where you want to be.
