Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Redlands, CA: $63,174 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Redlands, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,174 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Redlands's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,857 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,119) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of athletic training in Redlands, CA, can expect a starting salary around $63,174 in 2026. This figure reflects the lower end of the salary scale and indicates that early-career professionals may find themselves significantly below the city’s median salary of $82,119. The path from starting pay to higher earnings potential is promising; within the first few years, new graduates can see salaries rise to $71,714 as they gain experience and additional responsibilities. Given the projected growth rate of 4.63% annually, Redlands appears to offer a solid market for aspiring athletic trainers, making it a viable option for recent graduates looking to launch their careers.
About the Redlands Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Redlands
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 Redlands
Entry-level athletic trainers in Redlands, CA typically start between $63,174 and $71,714 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,982 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,119 — 25.54% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in California of $70,000 represents just 110.81% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($63,174/year) in Redlands. 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 Redlands
- 1Research the Redlands market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $63,174 to $71,714, 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 Redlands, 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 Redlands for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Redlands'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 Redlands is $53,982 ( 85.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,174, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,156.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,224
2025 BLS Actual
$60,378
2026 Current Est.
$63,174
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Redlands (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,224 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,317 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,713 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,112 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,939 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,378 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,174 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,098 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Redlands, CA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,224 in 2019 to $60,378 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,098. New graduates entering the Redlands job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redlands 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 Redlands
In Redlands, various employers provide opportunities for new athletic trainers, particularly in high school athletic services, often linked to larger sports medicine programs in hospitals. While collegiate positions frequently require graduate assistantships or internships, industrial and occupational settings are actively seeking to fill roles that often pay 30-50% more than traditional school-related jobs. To enhance starting athletic trainer pay in CA, new graduates should consider obtaining a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for ATC certification, and obtaining a state license. Additionally, acquiring certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT can further boost pay scales. During the initial 1 to 3 years in the field, new grad athletic trainer pay in CA can realistically grow as professionals navigate the evolving demands of the profession and develop essential skills sought by various employers.
More salary data for Redlands, 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 Redlands. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Redlands 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