Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Garden Grove, CA: $39.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Garden Grove, CA runs $39.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,010 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Garden Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,803 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garden Grove, California, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $39.91, which significantly exceeds the national median of $31.45. This robust hourly pay highlights the demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including high schools, collegiate athletic facilities, and professional sports teams. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, or those in per diem roles, this compensation can translate to a substantial income while allowing flexible schedules. The hourly pay ranges from $29.35 at the entry level to $57.32 for the most experienced trainers in Garden Grove, reflecting a diverse array of opportunities within this field.
About the Garden Grove 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) | $29.35 | $234.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.07 | $272.54 |
| Median (P50) | $39.91 | $319.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.00 | $384.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.32 | $458.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garden Grove
Based on $39.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.91/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garden Grove, CA can expect to earn approximately $83,004 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,887. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Garden Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garden Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,596.24 | $6,917 | $83,004 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $957.74 | $4,150 | $49,803 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $638.49 | $2,767 | $33,202 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Garden Grove) | $39.91 |
| 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 Garden Grove, CA earn a median of $83,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.90% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.30% above the California state average of $81,144.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.91/hr = $49,803/year (purchasing power: $44,034).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,004/year (purchasing power: $73,390).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Garden Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Garden Grove grew 29.1% from $29.55/hr (2019) to $38.14/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.75/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 Garden Grove 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 Garden Grove
Annual earnings for part-time athletic trainers working 24 hours per week stand in stark contrast to their full-time counterparts. A part-time professional can still achieve a respectable income, although it typically pales compared to those positioned full-time in high-stakes environments. For instance, per diem athletic trainer pay in Garden Grove can vary significantly; a trainer might earn between $200 and $500 for covering a single event, while those working in industrial settings like Toyota or Boeing may command $50 to $80 per hour. Furthermore, athletic trainers employed by colleges and professional teams often engage in higher-stakes contexts that justify more lucrative pay structures, including stipends for covering major games that can reach up to $1,000. Many trainers face tough choices when it comes to benefits—opt for higher hourly pay without health coverage or take a lower rate with insurance. When negotiating hourly rates, it’s crucial for professionals to assess the entire compensation package, balancing immediate earning potential with long-term benefits, especially in a diverse environment like Garden Grove.
More salary data for Garden Grove, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Garden Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Garden Grove?
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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 Garden Grove. 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 Garden Grove 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