Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Daly City, CA: $61,757 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Daly City, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,757 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Daly City's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,604 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,312) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the athletic training profession in Daly City, California, can expect a starting salary around $61,757. While this figure is lower than the city's median annual salary of $83,312, it offers a solid foundation for new graduates as they begin their careers. Over the initial years, an athletic trainer can anticipate salary growth, with the possibility of reaching $71,477 within the first few years as they gain experience. This upward trajectory positions Daly City as a favorable market for new athletic trainers, particularly given the city's above-average cost of living index. The potential for continued growth, projected at a 4.63% annual rate, suggests that new entrants can work towards closing the gap between entry-level pay and the city median.
About the Daly City Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Daly City
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Daly City
Entry-level athletic trainers in Daly City, CA typically start between $61,757 and $71,477 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,413 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,312 — 27.36% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in California of $70,000 represents just 113.35% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($61,757/year) in Daly City. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAATE-accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institutions; the BOC certification exam is required after graduation for practice.
AT, ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Daly City
- 1Research the Daly City market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $61,757 to $71,477, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the athletic training field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Daly City, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Daly City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Daly City's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Athletic Trainer Compensation Range
The athletic trainer wage spread in Daly City is $55,413 ( 89.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,757, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,170.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,345
2025 BLS Actual
$59,024
2026 Current Est.
$61,757
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Daly City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,345 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,403 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,279 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,599 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,899 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,527 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,024 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,757 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,616 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Daly City, CA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,345 in 2019 to $59,024 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,616. New graduates entering the Daly City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daly City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your athletic training Career in Daly City
In Daly City, high schools, occupational health environments, and sports medicine clinics often provide the primary job opportunities for new graduates entering the athletic training field. Many of these positions, especially in educational settings, may be outsourced to larger sports medicine programs, opening doors for early-career professionals. To enhance starting pay in California, obtaining the required Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam, and securing state licensure are essential steps. Additionally, many employers seek candidates with BLS/first aid certifications and may favor those with optional specialty credentials. For those targeting industrial athletic trainer roles, the financial benefits can be significant, as these positions often offer 30-50% more than traditional school-based roles. Within the first few years in this market, graduates can realistically expect steady progress in their salaries as they navigate their early careers.
More salary data for Daly City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new athletic training graduates. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Daly City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Daly City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for athletic trainers (SOC 29-9091).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov