Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in San Marcos, CA: $39.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in San Marcos, CA runs $39.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,160 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against San Marcos's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,693 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in San Marcos, California, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $39.02, significantly higher than the national median of $31.45. This appealing rate brings a variety of working arrangements into focus, particularly for part-time athletic trainers who may work in high school training rooms or college athletic facilities. For those in per-diem roles, rates can be quite lucrative, depending on the setting; typical environments include professional team training facilities, industrial clinics, and outpatient care locations. Athletic trainers can expect hourly pay to range from $29.12 for entry-level positions to $57.21 for top earners, indicating robust opportunities across different experience levels in San Marcos.
About the San Marcos 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) | $29.12 | $232.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.51 | $268.10 |
| Median (P50) | $39.02 | $312.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.35 | $370.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.21 | $457.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Marcos
Based on $39.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.02/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Marcos, CA can expect to earn approximately $81,154 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,820. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Marcos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Marcos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,560.66 | $6,763 | $81,154 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $936.40 | $4,058 | $48,693 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $624.26 | $2,705 | $32,462 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (San Marcos) | $39.02 |
| 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 Marcos, CA earn a median of $81,160 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.07% higher than the national median of $65,415.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.02/hr = $48,693/year (purchasing power: $43,053).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,154/year (purchasing power: $71,755).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in San Marcos grew 29.1% from $28.89/hr (2019) to $37.29/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.82/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 Marcos 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 Marcos
For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, this hourly pay structure can lead to substantial annual earnings, especially when factoring in opportunities for per-diem work. Those in this role, averaging 24 hours of work per week, can bring home a significant income while enjoying flexibility in their schedules. Per diem athletic trainers covering events might earn between $200 and $500 per event, while those contracted in industrial settings might bill $50 to $80 hourly. Hourly rates can vary sharply across employer types in San Marcos—high school positions may offer less compared to those in professional sports teams or industrial workplaces like Toyota and Boeing. Additionally, athletic trainers must weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates that include healthcare options. For those entering negotiations, understanding the competitive nature of the local market and the nuances of each setting will be crucial to securing favorable pay in this evolving profession.
More salary data for San Marcos, 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 San Marcos. 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 Marcos 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