Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Costa Mesa, CA: $39.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Costa Mesa, CA runs $39.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,560 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Costa Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,941 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Costa Mesa, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at a median of $39.22, significantly surpassing the national median of $31.45. This rate provides competitive compensation for part-time professionals working approximately three days a week, who can expect roughly $31,200 annually if they work about 24 hours per week. In settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional sports teams, hourly compensation can vary widely. Entry-level trainers typically start around $29.86, while those at the top of the field can command hourly rates of up to $57.44, showcasing a broad spectrum of earning potential depending on experience, specialization, and workplace demands. For those in the per diem sector, the flexibility allows them to boost their income through event-specific work, which can significantly up their earnings per shift.
About the Costa Mesa 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) | $29.86 | $238.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.13 | $273.04 |
| Median (P50) | $39.22 | $313.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.84 | $382.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.44 | $459.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Costa Mesa
Based on $39.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.22/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Costa Mesa, CA can expect to earn approximately $81,568 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,058. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Costa Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Costa Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,568.61 | $6,797 | $81,568 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $941.17 | $4,078 | $48,941 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $627.45 | $2,719 | $32,627 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Costa Mesa) | $39.22 |
| 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 Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $81,560 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.68% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.50% above the California state average of $81,154.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.22/hr = $48,941/year (purchasing power: $43,272).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,568/year (purchasing power: $72,120).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Costa Mesa grew 29.1% from $29.04/hr (2019) to $37.48/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.03/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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa
Practicing as an athletic trainer in Costa Mesa brings the opportunity for substantial income depending on employment type. For instance, a part-time athletic trainer who works 24 hours weekly may bring home around $31,200 each year, a clear contrast to full-time positions that can yield much higher totals. Per diem arrangements are quite lucrative for many trainers, with coverage at events typically offering compensation ranging from $200 to $500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers may bill at rates between $50 to $80 per hour, which is considerably higher than traditional school settings. Variance across employment environments is notable, with trainers employed by professional sports teams, such as those in the NFL or NBA, often enjoying the most lucrative positions. Meanwhile, some trainers opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. For those negotiating contracts, it’s advisable to consider benefits packages carefully, as the trade-off can influence your overall compensation significantly. Understanding these dynamics can empower athletic trainers in Costa Mesa to make informed decisions tailored to their career paths.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Costa Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Costa Mesa?
Are athletic trainers in Costa Mesa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Costa Mesa?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Costa Mesa?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Costa Mesa. 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 Costa Mesa 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