Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Huntington Beach, CA: $39.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Huntington Beach, CA runs $39.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,456 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Huntington Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,875 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Huntington Beach, CA, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $39.16 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This attractive hourly rate makes the profession appealing for part-time or per-diem workers, particularly in settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional team training rooms. Those working three days a week might find this pay structure advantageous, allowing for a balanced lifestyle while still earning a respectable income. The statewide pay range for athletic trainers shows that hourly rates can vary widely, with entry-level positions starting around $30.82 (P10) and top earners reaching as high as $58.61 (P90), reflecting the demand and varied skill levels in this field. These estimates are derived from annual salary projections, underscoring the importance of considering hourly metrics when assessing job opportunities in the area.
About the Huntington Beach 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) | $30.82 | $246.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.87 | $278.99 |
| Median (P50) | $39.16 | $313.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.24 | $369.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.61 | $468.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntington Beach
Based on $39.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.16/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntington Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $81,459 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,996. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Huntington Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntington Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,566.52 | $6,788 | $81,459 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $939.91 | $4,073 | $48,875 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $626.61 | $2,715 | $32,584 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Huntington Beach) | $39.16 |
| 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 Huntington Beach, CA earn a median of $81,456 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.52% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.30% above the California state average of $81,212.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.16/hr = $48,875/year (purchasing power: $43,214).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,459/year (purchasing power: $72,024).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Huntington Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Huntington Beach grew 29.1% from $29.00/hr (2019) to $37.43/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.98/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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach
Part-time athletic trainers working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $45,000 annually, presenting a viable option for those who value flexibility over a full-time commitment. In contrast, per-diem and agency-based roles can significantly boost income potential, especially at events where per diem athletic trainer pay in Huntington Beach typically ranges from $200 to $500 per event, with industrial AT contractors earning $50 to $80 per hour for larger facility clients. In addition, those covering high-stakes college bowl games or playoffs may receive stipends of $200 to $1,000, enhancing the appeal of event-based work. Hourly rates widely differ across employer types—from secondary schools and NCAA institutions to professional sports teams and industrial settings at organizations like Toyota and Boeing. Many athletic trainers might realize that accepting slightly lower hourly rates at schools comes with the advantage of benefits such as health insurance, which tends to be absent in higher-paying industrial roles. For those negotiating hourly contracts in Huntington Beach, focusing on both the pay and benefits package can yield the best outcomes, ensuring a fair exchange based on individual needs and market standards.
More salary data for Huntington Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Huntington Beach in 2026?
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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 Huntington Beach. 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 Huntington Beach 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