Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Davis, CA: $37.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Davis, CA runs $37.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,557 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Davis's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,139 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Davis, the median hourly pay for athletic trainers is projected to be $37.77 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $31.45. This competitive rate reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various environments, such as high school athletic programs, collegiate sports facilities, and professional training rooms. For those working part-time or per-diem, such as trainers engaged in game coverage and event support, this rate of pay can be particularly lucrative. The hourly earnings range from $29.36 for those new to the field up to $52.82 for seasoned professionals and specialists. The high cost of living in Davis, indexed at 113.1, alongside the advancements in required qualifications post-2022 shift toward a master’s degree, highlight the profession's evolution in this region.
About the Davis 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) | $29.36 | $234.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.24 | $265.93 |
| Median (P50) | $37.77 | $302.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.68 | $365.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.82 | $422.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Davis
Based on $37.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.77/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Davis, CA can expect to earn approximately $78,565 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,326. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Davis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Davis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,510.86 | $6,547 | $78,565 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $906.51 | $3,928 | $47,139 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $604.34 | $2,619 | $31,426 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Davis) | $37.77 |
| 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 Davis, CA earn a median of $78,557 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.09% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.20% below the California state average of $81,154.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.77/hr = $47,139/year (purchasing power: $41,679).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,565/year (purchasing power: $69,465).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Davis grew 29.1% from $27.97/hr (2019) to $36.10/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.52/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Athletic Trainer in Davis
Analyzing the financial prospects for athletic trainers in Davis reveals interesting disparities based on employment structures. Part-time professionals working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, can expect to earn approximately $46,041 annually, which shows a respectable earning potential without the rigors of full-time commitments. Per diem athletic trainers, especially those covering significant events or in industrial settings, can command fees that range from $200 to $500 for game coverage, while those contracted in industrial health settings may bill $50 to $80 per hour, yielding a higher income compared to traditional roles. Given these variables, athletic trainers must consider employer types when negotiating salary; positions with professional teams or in industrial health tend to offer higher hourly rates than those in educational settings. However, those willing to trade off some hourly compensation for health insurance and benefits can find stability in roles within secondary schools or outpatient clinics. For aspiring athletic trainers in Davis, understanding these dynamics can provide critical leverage in salary discussions and career planning.
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
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 Davis. 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 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