Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Lancaster, CA: $39.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Lancaster, CA runs $39.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,826 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,698 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lancaster, CA, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be $39.82 in 2026, significantly outperforming the national hourly median of $31.45. This competitive rate highlights the potential for athletic trainers working part-time or per diem in various settings, including high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional team training environments. Those at the entry-level may earn around $29.31 per hour, while experienced trainers can pull in up to $59.59 per hour. The pay structure reflects the diverse landscape of athletic training in Lancaster, where opportunities range from educational institutions to occupational health environments, offering different financial incentives based on the setting and type of employment.
About the Lancaster 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) | $29.31 | $234.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.88 | $271.03 |
| Median (P50) | $39.82 | $318.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.92 | $375.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.59 | $476.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $39.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.82/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,830 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,787. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,592.89 | $6,903 | $82,830 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $955.73 | $4,142 | $49,698 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $637.15 | $2,761 | $33,132 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Lancaster) | $39.82 |
| 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 Lancaster, CA earn a median of $82,826 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.62% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.00% above the California state average of $81,202.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.82/hr = $49,698/year (purchasing power: $43,942).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,830/year (purchasing power: $73,236).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lancaster grew 29.1% from $29.49/hr (2019) to $38.06/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.67/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
Focusing on part-time work, an athletic trainer clocking about 24 hours per week could earn approximately $49,852 annually, which differs significantly from those working full-time schedules. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Lancaster shows appealing variability; event coverage can yield anywhere from $200 to $500 for a single session, while industrial contractors might average between $50 and $80 per hour. Role differences are stark: trainers in secondary schools generally earn less compared to their peers in college or professional sports settings. Some might opt for lower hourly rates due to benefits like health insurance, while others choose higher pay for the flexibility of contract work, reflecting a significant trade-off in their career choices. For those entering the field or looking to negotiate rates, understanding which employers provide additional benefits can assist in making informed decisions about their compensation.
More salary data for Lancaster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Lancaster?
Are athletic trainers in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Lancaster?
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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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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