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How to hire an athletic trainer

Athletic trainer hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring athletic trainers in the United States:

  • HR departments typically spend 15% of their expenses on recruitment.
  • It usually takes about 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • It typically takes 36-42 days to fill a job opening.
  • The median cost to hire an athletic trainer is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend an average of $1,105 per athletic trainer on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • There are currently 25,119 athletic trainers in the US and 56,812 job openings.
  • Atlanta, GA, has the highest demand for athletic trainers, with 13 job openings.
  • New York, NY has the highest concentration of athletic trainers.

How to hire an athletic trainer, step by step

To hire an athletic trainer, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire an athletic trainer:

Here's a step-by-step athletic trainer hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write an athletic trainer job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new athletic trainer
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an athletic trainer do?

An athletic trainer is a healthcare professional who works with physicians to improve a patient's quality of life. Their profession encompasses the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of chronic medical conditions involving disabilities, functional limitations, and impairments. As an athletic trainer, you will typically do various tasks, including recognizing and evaluating injuries, providing emergency care or first aid, and developing and implementing rehabilitation programs. You are also responsible for planning and implementing programs to help prevent sports injuries among athletes.

Learn more about the specifics of what an athletic trainer does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the athletic trainer you need to hire. Certain athletic trainer roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them an athletic trainer to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire an athletic trainer that fits the bill.

    The following list breaks down different types of athletic trainers and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Athletic TrainerDescriptionHourly rate
    Athletic TrainerAthletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. $16-29
    Exercise PhysiologistAn exercise physiologist is a health professional who analyzes the fitness of patients to help them improve their health or maintain good health. Exercise physiologists are required to help patients with heart diseases and other chronic conditions such as diabetes or pulmonary disease to regain their health... Show more$13-39
    Physical TherapistPhysical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat patients with health conditions and limited ability to move and perform daily activities. They help in restoring physical function and mobility and teach how to properly use therapeutic exercise techniques... Show more$26-45
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Patients
    • Rehabilitation
    • CPR
    • Patient Care
    • Student Athletes
    • Athletic Injuries
    • Athletic Events
    • OSHA
    • Athletic Training Room
    • Emergency Care
    • Rehabilitation Programs
    • Cleanliness
    • Game Coverage
    • Emergency First Aid
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Administer rehabilitation procedures and the safety of athletes at practices and games including ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
    • Evaluate and create a rehabilitation program for ankle sprains, fibula fractures, and shin splints.
    • Administer multiple therapeutic techniques for student athletes including electrical stimulation and ultrasound
    • Assist physical therapist in generating rehabilitation protocols for patients, progress exercises, order supplies for clinic and oversee aide scheduling.
    • Assist with OSHA record keeping.
    • Maintain cleanliness of gym and stations.
    More athletic trainer duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in the athletic trainer job description is a good way to get more applicants. An athletic trainer salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

    For example, the average salary for an athletic trainer in Kentucky may be lower than in Connecticut, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level athletic trainer. Additionally, an athletic trainer with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

    Average athletic trainer salary

    $47,028yearly

    $22.61 hourly rate

    Entry-level athletic trainer salary
    $35,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 14, 2025

    Average athletic trainer salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Connecticut$59,084$28
    2California$54,154$26
    3Massachusetts$51,307$25
    4New York$51,119$25
    5Virginia$49,324$24
    6Minnesota$48,489$23
    7Texas$46,945$23
    8Utah$46,740$22
    9Michigan$46,385$22
    10Washington$45,957$22
    11Colorado$45,558$22
    12Georgia$45,013$22
    13Arizona$44,896$22
    14Florida$44,715$22
    15Indiana$44,428$21
    16Wisconsin$44,278$21
    17North Dakota$44,004$21
    18Pennsylvania$43,771$21
    19Illinois$42,692$21
    20Ohio$42,600$20

    Average athletic trainer salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Ethical Culture Fieldston School$65,979$31.72
    2New York University$63,885$30.711
    3Planned Systems International$63,726$30.6459
    4Dignity Health$62,845$30.21103
    5Columbia University in the City of New York$62,810$30.202
    6Mt. San Antonio College$62,626$30.113
    7Baptist Health Care$62,149$29.885
    8Newton Public Schools$61,071$29.36
    9Cerritos College$60,943$29.30
    10Southcoast Health$60,681$29.173
    11Thomas Jefferson University$60,470$29.075
    12Miami Dolphins$60,151$28.92
    13D.C. United$60,024$28.86
    14Massachusetts General Hospital$59,941$28.82
    15Baptist Health Home Care$59,891$28.7910
    16Children's Hospital Los Angeles$59,890$28.79
    17Select Medical$59,784$28.742,469
    18Hancock Wellness$59,603$28.663
    19Mary Rutan Hospital$59,483$28.602
    20Prairie Ridge Health - Hospital$59,184$28.45
  4. Writing an athletic trainer job description

    An athletic trainer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an athletic trainer job description:

    Athletic trainer job description example

    Responsibilities

    $5,000 SIGN-ON BONUS!

    Seattle Children's Athletic Training Program is hiring for a supervisor! This is a 1.0 FTE salaried position leading a team of 10 Athletic Trainers in high school settings. You'll be joining a leadership team composed of three other supervisors and one manager, and teamwork and communication are our main priorities. Our program is unique in that all the members of our leadership team are Athletic Trainers and understand the demands of the high schools our Athletic Trainers are working in. Seattle Children's is the top-ranked pediatric hospital in Washington and the Pacific Northwest. Our Athletic Training Program is known for providing exceptional care to the high schools we serve and have a long standing history in the greater Seattle Community. We prioritize community support and engagement above all, and strive to provide hope, care, and cures to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible. Our program provides comprehensive athletic training services to nearly 40 schools in diverse settings. Apply today to be part of our leadership team with the resources and support of Seattle Children's Hospital.

    As an Athletic Trainer and leader in our program, you receive:

    • $5,000 sign-on bonus
    • 60/40% Remote Work
    • Full medical, dental and vision benefits
    • Generous vacation, personal, sick, and holiday time away hours accrued to promote self-care
    • Free continuing education opportunities
    • Up to a 40 hour work week is encouraged to support work-life balance
    • Annual incentive bonuses and pay-for-performance increases

    The primary responsibilities of the Athletic Training Supervisor are to supervise the operations and staff in the Athletic Training Program in a manner that meets continuous quality improvement, customer service, financial and delivery requirements that support the mission of Seattle Children's Sports Medicine Program. Direct reports include Certified Athletic Trainers. This position will also provide superior rehabilitative care to injured athletes and to educate athletes, coaches, Athletic Directors, parents, and the general public on injury prevention, rehabilitation, wellness and other health-related issues. Some school coverage may also be included depending on staffing and availability of high school Athletic Trainers.

    #LI-KD1

    Requirements

    Required Education/Experience:

    - Bachelor's Degree in health related field

    - Minimum one year experience as an Athletic Trainer

    Required Credentials:

    - Board Certified by the BOC as an Athletic Trainer

    - BLS for Healthcare Providers

    - Current Washington State license to practice as an Athletic Trainer

    - Prior to the start of employment, individuals are required to submit a copy of a receipt directly to Human Resources (electronically) confirming they have completed the fingerprinting process as outlined by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

    Preferred:

    - Master Degree in health related field.

    - Two years experience in an athletic training setting.

    - One year experience as a supervisor or lead.

    - Demonstrated successful experience facilitating classes.

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

    - Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with physicians, coaches, parents, athletic directors, and athletes.

    - Demonstrated ability to function effectively as a part of a team

    - Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently.

    About Us

    Hope. Care. Cure. These three simple words capture what we do at Seattle Children's -- to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible. Are you ready to engage with a mission-driven organization that is life-changing to many, and touches the hearts of all? #HOPECARECURE

    Our founding promise to the community is as valid today as it was over a century ago: we will care for all children in our region, regardless of the families' ability to pay. Together, we deliver superior patient care, advance new discoveries and treatments through pediatric research, and serve as the pediatric and adolescent, academic medical center for Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho - the largest region of any children's hospital in the country.

    In 2022, U.S. News & World Report once again ranked Seattle Children's among the nation's best children's hospitals - for the 30th year in a row. For more than a decade, Seattle Children's has been nationally ranked in all 10 specialty areas evaluated by U.S. News & World Report. We are honored to be the top-ranked pediatric hospital in Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

    As a Magnet designated institution, and classified among America's best large employers by Forbes, we recognize the importance of hiring and developing great talent to provide best-in-class care to the patients and families we serve. Our organizational DNA takes form in our core values: Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Collaboration, Equity and Innovation. Whether it's delivering frontline care to our patients in a kind and caring manner, practicing the highest standards of quality and safety, or being relentlessly curious as we work towards eradicating childhood diseases, these values are the fabric of our culture and community. The future starts here.

    Covid-19 Vaccination In accordance with Washington state law, Seattle Children's requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All offers are contingent and your vaccine status will be verified at onboarding. Our Commitment to Diversity

    Our community welcomes diverse experiences, backgrounds, and thoughts as this is what drives our spirit of inquiry and allows us to better connect with our increasingly diverse patients and families. Our organization recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

    The people who work at Seattle Children's are members of a community that seeks to respect and celebrate all the qualities that make each of us unique. Each of us is empowered to be ourselves within this community, which cultivates and promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion at all levels.

    Seattle Children's is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace and Affirmative Action Employer.

  5. Post your job

    To find the right athletic trainer for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with athletic trainers they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit athletic trainers who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your athletic trainer job on Zippia to find and recruit athletic trainer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites such as healthcarejobsite, health jobs nationwide, hospitalcareers, medreps.com.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit athletic trainers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new athletic trainer

    Once you've selected the best athletic trainer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new athletic trainer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire an athletic trainer?

Recruiting athletic trainers involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

You can expect to pay around $47,028 per year for an athletic trainer, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for athletic trainers in the US typically range between $16 and $29 an hour.

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