Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Lake Elsinore, CA: $38.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Lake Elsinore, CA runs $38.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,923 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Lake Elsinore's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,549 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Lake Elsinore, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to reach $38.90 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This elevated pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and even professional team training rooms. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into competitive salaries, while those engaged in per diem work can earn varying amounts based on event coverage or clinic needs. The hourly range in Lake Elsinore spans from $29.00 for entry-level trainers to approximately $56.72 for top earners, providing a pathway for growth based on experience, certification, and the type of employment. These estimates are derived from annual salary data to give a clearer perspective on hourly earnings in this dynamic field.
About the Lake Elsinore 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) | $29.00 | $232.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.28 | $266.26 |
| Median (P50) | $38.90 | $311.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.28 | $362.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.72 | $453.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Elsinore
Based on $38.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.90/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Elsinore, CA can expect to earn approximately $80,915 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,682. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Elsinore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Elsinore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,556.06 | $6,743 | $80,915 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $933.63 | $4,046 | $48,549 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $622.42 | $2,697 | $32,366 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Lake Elsinore) | $38.90 |
| 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 Lake Elsinore, CA earn a median of $80,923 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.71% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.30% below the California state average of $81,166.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.90/hr = $48,549/year (purchasing power: $42,926).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,915/year (purchasing power: $71,543).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lake Elsinore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lake Elsinore grew 29.1% from $28.81/hr (2019) to $37.18/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.70/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 Lake Elsinore 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 Lake Elsinore
Part-time athletic trainers in Lake Elsinore can see annual earnings of around $46,689 for a 24-hour work week compared to full-time salaries, emphasizing the flexibility that part-time positions offer. For those considering per diem roles, the potential pay varies widely; coverage for games may yield between $200 and $500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers billing at large facilities like those at Toyota or Boeing can expect rates of $50 to $80 per hour. College-level stipends for bowl game or playoff coverage can run anywhere from $200 to $1,000. Hourly rates can differ substantially across various employer types, with traditional school AT roles typically offering less compared to lucrative industrial settings or professional sports teams. It’s crucial for athletic trainers to weigh the benefits of employment packages that include health insurance against the prospect of higher pay without benefits in certain roles. Those navigating the job market in Lake Elsinore should consider negotiating their hourly rates based on their unique qualifications, experience, and the specific demands of the position.
More salary data for Lake Elsinore, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lake Elsinore 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 Lake Elsinore. 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 Lake Elsinore 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