Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CA: $38.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Lakewood, CA runs $38.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,110 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,465 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, California, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $38.03, which significantly surpasses the national average of $31.45. This attractive rate sets a favorable tone for those contemplating part-time work or per-diem opportunities in environments such as high school athletic facilities, collegiate sports programs, and professional team training rooms. With projected hourly rates ranging from $30.02 for entry-level positions to $53.83 for those at the top of their field, Lakewood offers a diverse spectrum of compensation. Athletic trainers working part-time, typically three days a week, can leverage this hourly rate in various settings, catering to the health and safety needs of athletes across a range of sports and occupations.
About the Lakewood 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) | $30.02 | $240.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.96 | $263.67 |
| Median (P50) | $38.03 | $304.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.47 | $363.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.83 | $430.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $38.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.03/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CA can expect to earn approximately $79,109 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,640. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,521.32 | $6,592 | $79,109 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $912.79 | $3,955 | $47,465 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $608.53 | $2,637 | $31,643 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Lakewood) | $38.03 |
| 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 Lakewood, CA earn a median of $79,110 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.94% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.50% below the California state average of $81,138.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.03/hr = $47,465/year (purchasing power: $41,967).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,109/year (purchasing power: $69,946).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lakewood grew 29.1% from $28.16/hr (2019) to $36.35/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.79/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
When examining the earning potential for part-time athletic trainers in Lakewood, working only 24 hours a week could still yield a respectable annual income, albeit lower than that of a full-time professional. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Lakewood can vary widely, with event coverage often compensated at $200-$500 per game, while contracts in industrial settings may pay workers $50-$80 per hour. Moreover, those stationed in college or professional sports teams could receive lucrative stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000 for significant events like bowl games or playoffs. As athletic trainers navigate their options, there's often a trade-off between hourly rates and benefits. Some may choose positions with lower hourly pay that include comprehensive health insurance, while others prefer higher pay without benefits. In this context, developing strong negotiation skills can significantly enhance their position in an evolving workforce landscape influenced by the BOC and CAATE standards.
More salary data for Lakewood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Lakewood?
Are athletic trainers in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Lakewood?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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