Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Merced, CA: $37.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Merced, CA runs $37.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,866 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Merced's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,322 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Merced, California, can expect a median hourly pay of $37.92, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate highlights the potential for competitive earnings in various settings, including high schools, colleges, professional teams, and industrial work environments. For part-time trainers working three days a week, this translates to a viable income in a field where hourly rates range from $28.64 for entry-level positions to $53.43 for top earners. Employers such as military bases and outpatient clinics also contribute to the job market, allowing athletic trainers to thrive in diverse environments. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary evaluations, providing a comprehensive view of the profession's earning dynamics in Merced.
About the Merced 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) | $28.64 | $229.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.72 | $261.74 |
| Median (P50) | $37.92 | $303.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.19 | $361.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.43 | $427.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merced
Based on $37.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.92/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merced, CA can expect to earn approximately $78,869 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,501. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Merced.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merced
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,516.72 | $6,572 | $78,869 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $910.03 | $3,943 | $47,322 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $606.69 | $2,629 | $31,548 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Merced) | $37.92 |
| 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 Merced, CA earn a median of $78,866 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.56% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.80% below the California state average of $81,138.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.92/hr = $47,322/year (purchasing power: $41,840).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,869/year (purchasing power: $69,734).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Merced (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Merced grew 29.1% from $28.08/hr (2019) to $36.24/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.67/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 Merced 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 Merced
Exploring the earning potential for part-time athletic trainers reveals that those working a typical 24-hour week can expect to take home around $46,241 annually. Comparatively, full-time positions offer markedly higher overall earnings, albeit at a cost, especially in settings like NCAA colleges and professional sports organizations. Per diem or agency roles can provide significant upside; covering an event typically brings in $200-$500 per event, with industrial settings offering $50-$80 per hour. College bowl game opportunities can augment earnings with stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000. Athletic trainers in Merced often face a choice between lower hourly rates with the benefits of health insurance or higher pay without such support. Negotiating effectively in this context requires an understanding of local employer norms and pay structures, alongside recognizing one’s worth in the varied landscape of athletic training.
More salary data for Merced, 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 Merced. 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 Merced 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