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Head athletic trainer salary
Average head athletic trainer salary
$47,105
Understanding Head Athletic Trainer Salaries
As of October 2025, the average salary for a Head Athletic Trainer stands at $47,105 annually. Salaries vary widely across states and institutions, influenced by factors such as the level of competition, the specific job responsibilities, and the trainer's experience. For example, experienced trainers in professional sports organizations may earn significantly more than those in high schools or community colleges.
Salary by State
In states like California and New York, salaries tend to be higher, reflecting the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Meanwhile, states with fewer opportunities may offer lower salaries but can still provide rewarding career paths. Tracking salary changes over time reveals trends that can help prospective trainers make informed career decisions.
Job Outlook
Head Athletic Trainers play a vital role in ensuring athlete health and performance, making them integral to sports teams and healthcare facilities. As awareness of sports-related injuries increases, so does the demand for qualified trainers. Pursuing certifications and advanced degrees can enhance job prospects and salary potential.
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Where can a Head Athletic Trainer earn more?
Head athletic trainer salary estimates from across the web
Average head athletic trainer salary by state
The highest-paying states for head athletic trainers are California, Connecticut, and Hawaii. The lowest average head athletic trainer salary states are West Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for head athletic trainers
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | $58,411 | $28.08 |
| 2 | California | $59,477 | $28.59 |
| 3 | Oregon | $54,052 | $25.99 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $54,201 | $26.06 |
| 5 | New York | $52,086 | $25.04 |
| 6 | Delaware | $47,648 | $22.91 |
| 7 | Rhode Island | $45,950 | $22.09 |
| 8 | Hawaii | $54,380 | $26.14 |
| 9 | Massachusetts | $50,565 | $24.31 |
| 10 | Nebraska | $50,100 | $24.09 |
| 11 | Indiana | $44,633 | $21.46 |
| 12 | Wyoming | $46,254 | $22.24 |
| 13 | Michigan | $46,218 | $22.22 |
| 14 | Idaho | $47,321 | $22.75 |
| 15 | Virginia | $48,821 | $23.47 |
| 16 | Nevada | $47,722 | $22.94 |
| 17 | Louisiana | $43,843 | $21.08 |
| 18 | Vermont | $47,852 | $23.01 |
| 19 | Arkansas | $42,923 | $20.64 |
| 20 | Arizona | $45,030 | $21.65 |
| 21 | Ohio | $43,450 | $20.89 |
| 22 | Pennsylvania | $43,955 | $21.13 |
| 23 | New Mexico | $45,360 | $21.81 |
| 24 | Wisconsin | $44,455 | $21.37 |
| 25 | Colorado | $45,961 | $22.10 |
| 26 | Georgia | $44,687 | $21.48 |
| 27 | Minnesota | $45,928 | $22.08 |
| 28 | Texas | $43,816 | $21.07 |
| 29 | Washington | $45,795 | $22.02 |
| 30 | Oklahoma | $44,303 | $21.30 |
| 31 | North Dakota | $43,842 | $21.08 |
| 32 | New Hampshire | $44,060 | $21.18 |
| 33 | South Carolina | $43,504 | $20.92 |
| 34 | Illinois | $43,415 | $20.87 |
| 35 | Utah | $42,583 | $20.47 |
| 36 | Iowa | $41,008 | $19.72 |
| 37 | Montana | $44,265 | $21.28 |
| 38 | Missouri | $42,932 | $20.64 |
| 39 | Kansas | $41,237 | $19.83 |
| 40 | Florida | $44,005 | $21.16 |
| 41 | District of Columbia | $46,663 | $22.43 |
| 42 | Tennessee | $38,733 | $18.62 |
| 43 | North Carolina | $42,138 | $20.26 |
| 44 | Mississippi | $36,554 | $17.57 |
| 45 | Kentucky | $37,834 | $18.19 |
| 46 | Maryland | $41,304 | $19.86 |
| 47 | West Virginia | $39,787 | $19.13 |
| 48 | South Dakota | $40,190 | $19.32 |
| 49 | Alaska | $37,693 | $18.12 |
| 50 | Maine | $40,246 | $19.35 |
| 51 | Alabama | $33,554 | $16.13 |
Highest paying cities for head athletic trainers
The highest-paying cities for head athletic trainers are Edison, NJ, Roseland, NJ, and Boston, MA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edison, NJ | $54,264 | $26.09 |
| 2 | Roseland, NJ | $54,011 | $25.97 |
| 3 | Boston, MA | $50,463 | $24.26 |
| 4 | Omaha, NE | $50,038 | $24.06 |
| 5 | Leesburg, VA | $50,020 | $24.05 |
| 6 | Aurora, NY | $49,878 | $23.98 |
| 7 | Dover, DE | $47,645 | $22.91 |
| 8 | Washington, DC | $46,668 | $22.44 |
| 9 | Detroit, MI | $46,465 | $22.34 |
| 10 | Sterling, CO | $45,639 | $21.94 |
| 11 | Wise, VA | $45,337 | $21.80 |
| 12 | Grand Rapids, MI | $45,247 | $21.75 |
| 13 | La Porte, IN | $44,964 | $21.62 |
| 14 | Tucson, AZ | $44,839 | $21.56 |
| 15 | Decatur, GA | $44,662 | $21.47 |
| 16 | Milwaukee, WI | $44,607 | $21.45 |
| 17 | Norman, OK | $44,559 | $21.42 |
| 18 | Miami, FL | $44,468 | $21.38 |
| 19 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | $44,382 | $21.34 |
| 20 | Bryn Mawr, PA | $44,375 | $21.33 |
Head athletic trainer salary details
A head athletic trainer's salary ranges from $35,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $61,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a head athletic trainer's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $61,000 | $5,083 | $29 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,000 | $4,500 | $26 |
| Average | $47,105 | $3,925 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,000 | $3,333 | $19 |
| 10th Percentile | $35,000 | $2,917 | $17 |
Highest paying head athletic trainer jobs
The highest paying types of head athletic trainers are sports medicine trainer, resident athletic trainer, and sports athletic trainer.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trainer | $47,574 | $3,964 | $22.87 | 40,650 |
| Sports Athletic Trainer | $48,071 | $4,006 | $23.11 | 57,256 |
| Student Athletic Trainer | $47,264 | $3,939 | $22.72 | 64,273 |
| Certified Athletic Trainer | $47,184 | $3,932 | $22.68 | 90,171 |
| Athletic Trainer | $47,028 | $3,919 | $22.61 | 56,812 |
Top companies hiring head athletic trainers now:
Which companies pay head athletic trainers the most?
Head athletic trainer salaries at D.C. United and Emerson College are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average head athletic trainer salary at companies like Mount Aloysius College and Select Medical are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D.C. United | $60,495 | $29.08 |
| 2 | Emerson College | $60,230 | $28.96 |
| 3 | Mount Aloysius College | $59,890 | $28.79 |
| 4 | Select Medical | $59,868 | $28.78 |
| 5 | Central State University | $58,620 | $28.18 |
| 6 | Huntsville Hospital | $55,097 | $26.49 |
| 7 | Missouri Valley College | $52,191 | $25.09 |
| 8 | Community Health Systems | $51,376 | $24.70 |
| 9 | Cardinal Stritch University | $50,883 | $24.46 |
| 10 | Calvary Bellefontaine | $50,050 | $24.06 |
| 11 | Miami-Dade County Public Schools | $49,213 | $23.66 |
| 12 | Rosemont College | $47,631 | $22.90 |
| 13 | Grand Rapids Community College | $47,347 | $22.76 |
| 14 | University of Oklahoma | $47,208 | $22.70 |
| 15 | University of Virginia | $46,490 | $22.35 |
| 16 | St. Clare Catholic School | $46,147 | $22.19 |
| 17 | Roosevelt University | $45,998 | $22.11 |
| 18 | Northeastern Junior College | $45,899 | $22.07 |
| 19 | Agnes Scott College | $45,116 | $21.69 |
| 20 | Hood College | $43,305 | $20.82 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Head athletic trainer salary trends
The average head athletic trainer salary has risen by $7,048 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average head athletic trainer earned $40,057 annually, but today, they earn $47,105 a year. That works out to a 9% change in pay for head athletic trainers over the last decade.
Compare head athletic trainer salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average head athletic trainer salary over time
Compare head athletic trainer salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Head athletic trainer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $47,100 | $22.65 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $45,800 | $22.00 | +1.9% |
| 2024 | $44,900 | $21.58 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $44,100 | $21.18 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $43,100 | $20.73 | +2.1% |
Recently added head athletic trainer salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dignity Health | Head Athletic Trainer | Phoenix, AZ | 06/28/2025 | $52,697 |
| Northwest University | Head Athletic Trainer | Kirkland, WA | 06/26/2025 | $55,577 |
| Bunker Hill Community College | Head Men's Soccer-Athletics and Wellness-Bunker Hill Community College | Boston, MA | 06/23/2025 | $96,000 |
| Us Squash | Steel City Squash Seeks Head Squash and Fitness Professional | Philadelphia, PA | 06/22/2025 | $65,000 |
| Wichita State University | Head of Athletics Creative Services | Wichita, KS | 06/20/2025 | $53,000 |
| Go4 | Head Athletic Trainer-Campbell Union High School District | Campbell, CA | 06/20/2025 | $114,785 |
| Bard College | Director of Sport Performance and Head Athletic Trainer | Hudson, NY | 06/19/2025 | $70,000 |
| PWHL Seattle | Head Athletic Trainer | Seattle, WA | 06/16/2025 | $90,000 |
| Bethpage Consulting | Head Athletic Trainer Ohws Selfridge Air National Guard Base Michigan | San Antonio, TX | 06/15/2025 | $70,000 |
| University of Vermont | Associate Head Athletic Trainer Education | Burlington, VT | 06/13/2025 | $69,000 |
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