Introduction
Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries related to physical activity. They work with athletes and other active individuals to keep them healthy and safe while they train and compete. As such, they play an essential role in sports medicine. But how much does an athletic trainer make?
Definition of Athletic Trainer Salary
Athletic trainers’ salaries vary widely depending on a variety of factors, such as location, experience, and education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for athletic trainers was $47,510 in 2019. This means that half of all athletic trainers earned more than this amount, while half earned less. The lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $29,450 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,820 annually.
Overview of Athletic Trainer Salaries
Athletic trainers can make anywhere from $29,450 to $74,820 per year, with the median wage at $47,510. However, most athletic trainers earn between $35,000 and $60,000 annually. It’s worth noting that salaries for athletic trainers vary widely by region. For example, the median wage for athletic trainers in the Northeast is higher than the national average, while salaries in the Midwest tend to be lower than the national average.
What Factors Affect Athletic Trainer Salaries?
Athletic trainer salaries are affected by several factors, including education, experience, and location. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
Education
Athletic trainers must have at least a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or a related field. Those who have a master’s degree may be able to earn more money. In addition, some employers prefer to hire athletic trainers who are certified by the Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC). Earning certification can help increase an athletic trainer’s salary.
Experience
As with most professions, experience is a major factor in determining an athletic trainer’s salary. Those with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience. Additionally, those who work in high-pressure environments, such as professional sports teams, tend to make more money than those who work in lower-pressure settings, such as community centers.
Location
Location is also an important factor when it comes to athletic trainer salaries. Generally speaking, the cost of living in a particular area will affect an athletic trainer’s salary. For example, athletic trainers in large urban areas tend to make more than those in rural areas. Additionally, states like California and New York tend to have higher pay scales than other states.
How to Maximize Your Athletic Trainer Salary
There are several steps you can take to maximize your earnings as an athletic trainer. Here are a few tips to consider:
Pursue Continuing Education
Continuing education is essential for any athletic trainer. Pursuing continuing education courses can help you stay up to date on the latest practices and technologies in the field, which can make you more valuable to employers and potentially lead to higher salaries. Additionally, many employers offer educational incentives and bonuses to employees who pursue continuing education.
Network and Make Connections
Networking and making connections with other athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals can help you find job opportunities and potentially lead to higher salaries. Joining professional organizations, attending conferences and seminars, and getting involved in the industry can all help you build relationships and expand your network.
Get Certified
Getting certified can help boost your credentials and make you more attractive to employers. The Board of Certification, Inc. (BOC) offers the Certified Athletic Trainer credential, which is recognized by many employers. Earning certification can help you stand out from other candidates and potentially lead to higher salaries.
A State-by-State Breakdown of Athletic Trainer Salaries
Athletic trainer salaries vary widely by state. Here is a look at the median wages for athletic trainers in four states:
California
In California, the median wage for athletic trainers is $58,800 per year. This is higher than the national average, likely due to the state’s high cost of living.
Texas
The median wage for athletic trainers in Texas is $46,180 per year. This is slightly lower than the national average.
New York
The median wage for athletic trainers in New York is $54,620 per year. This is higher than the national average, likely due to the state’s higher cost of living.
Florida
The median wage for athletic trainers in Florida is $43,400 per year. This is slightly lower than the national average.
The Future of Athletic Trainer Salaries
The demand for athletic trainers is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, due to an aging population and increased awareness of sports-related injuries. As such, salaries for athletic trainers are expected to rise. According to the BLS, employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 21 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Additionally, the increasing demand for athletic trainers is likely to lead to more job opportunities in a variety of settings, such as schools, universities, hospitals, and professional sports teams. This could lead to higher salaries, as employers will be competing for qualified candidates.
Conclusion
Athletic trainers play an important role in sports medicine, and their salaries reflect this. On average, athletic trainers make around $47,510 per year, though salaries can range from $29,450 to $74,820. Factors such as education, experience, and location all affect an athletic trainer’s salary. To maximize your earnings, pursue continuing education, network and make connections, and get certified. The future of athletic trainer salaries looks bright, with increasing demand for qualified professionals and higher salaries.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)