Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Hawthorne, CA: $38.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Hawthorne, CA runs $38.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,203 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Hawthorne's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,118 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hawthorne, CA, athletic trainers can expect an hourly median pay of $38.56, significantly outpacing the national hourly median of $31.45. This competitive hourly rate benefits various work settings, including secondary schools, colleges, and professional sports teams, allowing part-time athletic trainers — typically working around three days a week — to earn a reasonable income while maintaining flexible schedules. Those pursuing per-diem roles in Hawthorne can also find positions in military bases or outpatient clinics, with hourly earnings ranging from $28.19 for entry-level positions to $53.17 for experienced professionals, reflecting the significant variation in pay based on experience and the type of employer.
About the Hawthorne 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) | $28.19 | $225.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.88 | $279.07 |
| Median (P50) | $38.56 | $308.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.25 | $362.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.17 | $425.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hawthorne
Based on $38.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.56/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hawthorne, CA can expect to earn approximately $80,197 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,267. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hawthorne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hawthorne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,542.25 | $6,683 | $80,197 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $925.35 | $4,010 | $48,118 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $616.90 | $2,673 | $32,079 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Hawthorne) | $38.56 |
| 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 Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $80,203 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.61% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.20% below the California state average of $81,177.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.56/hr = $48,118/year (purchasing power: $42,545).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,197/year (purchasing power: $70,908).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Hawthorne grew 29.1% from $28.55/hr (2019) to $36.85/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.34/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 Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne
When examining part-time earnings for a 24-hour work week, an athletic trainer could bring in around $48,000 annually at a median hourly rate, although full-time trainers making a comparable hourly wage can earn significantly more over the year. Per diem opportunities present a lucrative avenue, often offering between $200-$500 for event coverage, in addition to industrial contracts that can pay between $50-$80 per hour. In Hawthorne, the differences in pay among employers can be substantial, with industrial athletic trainers typically earning higher rates than those in educational settings. While some professionals may opt for lower hourly wages that come with benefits like health insurance, others might push for higher rates in exchange for autonomy. When negotiating pay, trainers in Hawthorne should consider the local market rates and be prepared to discuss the value of their unique skill sets based on their settings.
More salary data for Hawthorne, 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 Hawthorne. 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 Hawthorne 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