Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Davis, CA: $61,066 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Davis, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,066 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Davis's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,993 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,557) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of athletic training in Davis, California, the anticipated starting athletic trainer salary for 2026 presents a varied financial landscape. New graduates can expect to start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, with entry-level positions averaging around $61,066 annually, which is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $78,557. However, there is a clear growth trajectory; within three to five years, salaries can increase as professionals gain experience and credentials, potentially reaching the 25th percentile salary of $69,140. This promising upward mobility in a city like Davis indicates that it is currently a favorable market for new grads seeking to establish their careers in athletic training.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Davis
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 Davis
Entry-level athletic trainers in Davis, CA typically start between $61,066 and $69,140 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,784 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,557 — 20.09% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in California of $70,000 represents just 114.63% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($61,066/year) in Davis. 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 Davis
- 1Research the Davis market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $61,066 to $69,140, 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 Davis, 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 Davis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Davis'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 Davis is $48,784 ( 79.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,066, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,850.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,916
2025 BLS Actual
$58,364
2026 Current Est.
$61,066
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,916 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,951 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,772 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,055 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,307 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,888 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,364 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,066 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,894 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Davis, CA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,916 in 2019 to $58,364 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,894. New graduates entering the Davis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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 Davis
For new entrants to the profession, understanding employer expectations within Davis is essential for maximizing earning potential. Typically, high schools and some industrial settings are major employers, often hiring newly licensed athletic trainers; however, collegiate roles frequently require additional experience, such as a graduate assistant position or internship, before employment. New grads should ensure they possess the requisite credentials, including a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for ATC certification, and obtaining a state license. Continuing education can further enhance earning potential, especially in specialty areas. Many industrial settings, such as factories or distribution centers, tend to offer salaries that are 30-50% higher than traditional athlete training roles. In the first few years, as entry-level athletic trainers gain experience, they may realistically expect steady salary growth, paving the way toward a significant career in CA's evolving landscape.
More salary data for Davis, 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 Davis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davis 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