Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in San Diego, CA: $37.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in San Diego, CA runs $37.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,186 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against San Diego's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.9, 12% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,316 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in San Diego, CA, are expected to earn a median hourly pay of $37.11, which is significantly higher than the national median of $31.45. This premium reflects the city’s cost of living and demand for qualified professionals. For part-time athletic trainers working in high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and industrial clinics, this hourly wage translates to competitive earnings, especially for those covering events on a per-diem basis. The hourly range for athletic trainers in San Diego spans from $27.55 for entry-level positions to $54.99 for experienced trainers, providing opportunities for financial growth based on skill and experience. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the ongoing significance of athletic trainers across various settings.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.55 | $220.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.77 | $246.17 |
| Median (P50) | $37.11 | $296.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.49 | $363.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.99 | $439.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Diego
Based on $37.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.11/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Diego, CA can expect to earn approximately $77,194 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,535. With a cost-of-living index of 111.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Diego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Diego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,484.49 | $6,433 | $77,194 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $890.69 | $3,860 | $46,316 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $593.80 | $2,573 | $30,877 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (San Diego) | $37.11 |
| 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 San Diego, CA earn a median of $77,186 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.99% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 4.90% below the California state average of $81,163.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.11/hr = $46,316/year (purchasing power: $41,395).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,194/year (purchasing power: $68,992).
CoL index: 111.887 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in San Diego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in San Diego grew 40.9% from $25.18/hr (2019) to $35.47/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.83/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 San Diego 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 San Diego
Analyzing the part-time earning potential reveals that a 24-hour workweek could yield around $46,000 annually for an athletic trainer—substantial for those balancing multiple roles or pursuing further education. In terms of per-diem work, coverage for events often pays between $200 and $500, while industrial athletic trainers may earn hourly rates from $50 to $80 at large employers like Toyota and Boeing; additionally, college playoff coverage can bring in stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000+. This means hourly rates can vary widely across different employer types in San Diego, from secondary schools to professional sports teams. While some may accept roles at lower hourly rates to secure health benefits, others prioritize higher pay without additional perks. For those negotiating hourly contracts, emphasizing specialization and certifications can be pivotal in achieving better pay and terms in an evolving field, especially following the transition to a master's degree requirement for new graduates in 2022.
More salary data for San Diego, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in San Diego in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in San Diego?
Are athletic trainers in San Diego paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in San Diego?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in San Diego?
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 San Diego. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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