Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Novato, CA: $39.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Novato, CA runs $39.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,592 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Novato's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,954 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Novato, California, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at a median of $39.23, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This favorable rate reflects the local demand for skilled athletic trainers in various settings, such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional sports team environments. Part-time positions, typically offering around three days a week, allow trainers to earn a healthy income, particularly benefiting those who prefer flexible schedules. Given the hourly range in Novato, trainers can expect to earn between $29.73 and $53.92 depending on their experience and the specific employer. Overall, the hourly estimates for this profession in Novato are derived from annual salary figures, highlighting a trend where athletic trainers in the area are positioned competitively within the job market.
About the Novato 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) | $29.73 | $237.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.95 | $271.62 |
| Median (P50) | $39.23 | $313.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.03 | $368.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.92 | $431.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Novato
Based on $39.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.23/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Novato, CA can expect to earn approximately $81,590 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,071. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Novato.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Novato
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,569.03 | $6,799 | $81,590 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $941.42 | $4,079 | $48,954 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $627.61 | $2,720 | $32,636 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Novato) | $39.23 |
| 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 Novato, CA earn a median of $81,592 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.73% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.50% above the California state average of $81,186.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.23/hr = $48,954/year (purchasing power: $43,284).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,590/year (purchasing power: $72,139).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Novato (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Novato grew 29.1% from $29.05/hr (2019) to $37.49/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.04/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 Novato 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 Novato
Turning to part-time work, an athletic trainer working a typical 24-hour week could take home approximately $61,155 annually, based on the prevailing hourly rate. Per diem roles, such as game day coverage, can yield higher immediate earnings, with compensation ranging from $200 to $500 per event. Similarly, industrial athletic trainers working for major companies, including Toyota and FedEx, can command $50 to $80 per hour, reflecting a robust demand for their skills in non-traditional athletic settings. The variety of hourly rates among employers in Novato reveals significant disparities; those in secondary schools may earn less compared to trainers for professional teams or in occupational health roles. Many trainers face the decision of accepting lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits versus higher pay without insurance. Negotiation remains key, especially for hourly worker benefits tailored to individual needs, allowing trainers to effectively assess job offers and leverage their qualifications.
More salary data for Novato, 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 Novato. 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 Novato 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