Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in San Luis Obispo, CA: $38.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in San Luis Obispo, CA runs $38.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,099 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against San Luis Obispo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,465 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in San Luis Obispo, California, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $38.03, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This competitive pay reflects the region's demand for skilled professionals in various settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and outpatient clinics. For part-time workers committed to three days a week, this comes out to approximately $1,500 monthly, demonstrating that athletic trainer hourly pay in San Luis Obispo can be quite lucrative compared to other regions. The hourly rates range from $29.03 at the 10th percentile to $53.60 at the 90th percentile, indicating a spectrum where entry-level positions begin at a moderate rate while experienced trainers in specialized roles can command much higher salaries.
About the San Luis Obispo 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) | $29.03 | $232.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.92 | $263.33 |
| Median (P50) | $38.03 | $304.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.71 | $365.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.60 | $428.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Luis Obispo
Based on $38.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.03/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Luis Obispo, CA can expect to earn approximately $79,109 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,640. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Luis Obispo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Luis Obispo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,521.32 | $6,592 | $79,109 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $912.79 | $3,955 | $47,465 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $608.53 | $2,637 | $31,643 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (San Luis Obispo) | $38.03 |
| 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 Luis Obispo, CA earn a median of $79,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.92% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.60% below the California state average of $81,211.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.03/hr = $47,465/year (purchasing power: $41,967).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,109/year (purchasing power: $69,946).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in San Luis Obispo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in San Luis Obispo grew 29.1% from $28.16/hr (2019) to $36.35/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.79/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 Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo
For those considering part-time work, a 24-hour workweek as an athletic trainer can lead to an approximate annual income of $45,000, a decent figure compared to the lower earning potential of full-time colleagues. Per diem athletic trainer pay in San Luis Obispo varies widely, with game coverage typically offering $200 to $500 per event. Industrial roles can command billing rates between $50 and $80 per hour, especially for trainers stationed at large companies like Toyota and FedEx. While school-based athletic trainers might earn less, the benefits of health insurance and job stability are often attractive. Those in the military or outpatient settings may find they accept lower hourly wages for the perks that come with job security and benefits. Negotiation strategies should focus on the trade-off between hourly rates and benefits, with discussions tailored to each employer type for maximum leverage.
More salary data for San Luis Obispo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in San Luis Obispo in 2026?
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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 San Luis Obispo. 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 San Luis Obispo 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