Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Orange, CA: $38.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Orange, CA runs $38.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,960 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,974 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Orange, California, command a median hourly pay of $38.44, significantly outpacing the national hourly median of $31.45. This means that even part-time professionals, who typically work about three days a week, can expect a respectable income that reflects the higher cost of living in the area. Various employment settings—ranging from high school training rooms to college athletic facilities and professional team training rooms—also see a wide spectrum of earnings. Entry-level positions may start at an hourly rate of $29.20, while seasoned practitioners can make as much as $54.78 per hour, illustrating a diverse range of opportunities for athletic trainers across the employment landscape in Orange.
About the Orange 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) | $29.20 | $233.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.56 | $260.49 |
| Median (P50) | $38.44 | $307.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.98 | $367.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.78 | $438.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orange
Based on $38.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.44/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orange, CA can expect to earn approximately $79,957 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,129. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,537.64 | $6,663 | $79,957 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $922.59 | $3,998 | $47,974 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $615.06 | $2,665 | $31,983 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Orange) | $38.44 |
| 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 Orange, CA earn a median of $79,960 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.23% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.50% below the California state average of $81,178.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.44/hr = $47,974/year (purchasing power: $42,418).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,957/year (purchasing power: $70,696).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Orange grew 29.1% from $28.47/hr (2019) to $36.74/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.22/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 Orange 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 Orange
For those considering part-time work, an athletic trainer working three days a week for 24 hours annually could take home approximately $45,798, compared to a full-time salary that might reach around $80,000. Per-diem athletic trainer pay in Orange varies widely, with event coverage typically generating between $200-$500 per situation, making it an attractive option for those seeking flexibility. Alternatively, industrial and occupational health settings can offer rates of $50-$80 per hour, especially with large corporate clients like Toyota or Boeing. However, athletic trainers in schools, military, and outpatient clinics may face lower hourly rates but often receive health benefits that can make these positions more desirable despite the trade-off in earnings. For those in Orange, negotiating hourly pay can be crucial; emphasizing specializations, certifications from NATA, BOC, or CAATE, and experience in diverse settings can help secure better pay and conditions.
More salary data for Orange, 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 Orange. 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 Orange 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