Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $39.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Chico, CA runs $39.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,213 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,732 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Chico, California earn a median hourly rate of $39.05, which significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $31.45. This advantageous pay reflects the unique demands and qualifications necessary for the role, especially in environments such as high school athletic training rooms, college facilities, and outpatient clinics. The salary range for athletic trainers in this city varies between $30.55 for entry-level positions to $56.75 for those at the top of the pay scale. With an hourly rate derived from projected annual earnings, these numbers provide a benchmark for part-time and per-diem workers. For instance, those working just three days a week can expect a competitive income that allows for flexibility while benefiting from the growing presence of athletic trainers in diverse settings, including professional sports teams and military bases.
About the Chico Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.55 | $244.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.63 | $277.06 |
| Median (P50) | $39.05 | $312.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.46 | $379.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.75 | $454.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $39.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.05/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $81,220 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,857. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,561.92 | $6,768 | $81,220 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $937.15 | $4,061 | $48,732 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $624.77 | $2,707 | $32,488 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Chico) | $39.05 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Athletic Trainers in Chico, CA earn a median of $81,213 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.15% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.10% above the California state average of $81,132.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.05/hr = $48,732/year (purchasing power: $43,087).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,220/year (purchasing power: $71,812).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Chico grew 29.1% from $28.92/hr (2019) to $37.32/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.86/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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.
Working as an Hourly Athletic Trainer in Chico
Exploring the earning potential for part-time athletic trainers in Chico reveals a distinct financial picture. A part-time athletic trainer working 24 hours a week can take home approximately $61,458 annually, which can be a viable option for those who value work-life balance. For per diem athletic trainers, the compensation can vary widely; game coverage typically pays between $200-$500 per event, while industrial settings might offer between $50-$80 per hour for contracted services at large companies. Comparatively, college bowl game or playoff work can yield stipends ranging from $200-$1,000, indicating the lucrative opportunities that exist outside traditional roles. The variation in hourly pay is also influenced by employer type, with secondary schools often providing lower rates than NCAA colleges or professional sports teams. Additionally, some trainers may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and other benefits, reflecting the trade-offs between income and job security. For those navigating the job market, skills in negotiation can enhance opportunities, especially in a city like Chico where the demand for well-trained professionals is on the rise.
More salary data for Chico, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for athletic trainers in Chico. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chico 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