Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Santa Maria, CA: $39.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Santa Maria, CA runs $39.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,180 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Santa Maria's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,706 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Santa Maria, CA, can expect a median hourly pay of $39.03, surpassing the national median of $31.45 by a significant margin. This attractive rate not only reflects the local demand for qualified professionals but also suggests better opportunities for part-time and per-diem roles. Those working three days a week typically find placement in diverse environments, including high school training rooms, collegiate athletic facilities, and even industrial clinics. The hourly wage can fluctuate, with entry-level positions starting around $30.56, while experienced athletic trainers at the top of their field can earn as much as $56.80 per hour. It's essential for aspiring trainers to understand that these hourly rates are derived from projected annual salaries, offering insight into the potential earnings across various employment settings.
About the Santa Maria 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) | $30.56 | $244.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.60 | $276.81 |
| Median (P50) | $39.03 | $312.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.40 | $379.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.80 | $454.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Maria
Based on $39.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.03/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Maria, CA can expect to earn approximately $81,176 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,832. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Maria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Maria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,561.08 | $6,765 | $81,176 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $936.65 | $4,059 | $48,706 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $624.43 | $2,706 | $32,470 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Santa Maria) | $39.03 |
| 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 Santa Maria, CA earn a median of $81,180 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.10% higher than the national median of $65,415.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.03/hr = $48,706/year (purchasing power: $43,064).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,176/year (purchasing power: $71,774).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Santa Maria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Santa Maria grew 29.1% from $28.90/hr (2019) to $37.30/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.83/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 Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria
In Santa Maria, the earning potential for athletic trainers varies significantly depending on their work hours and employment settings. A part-time athletic trainer working 24 hours a week could realistically take home a lower annual figure compared to their full-time counterparts, yet the trade-off often allows for a more flexible schedule. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Santa Maria shows noticeable variation; event coverage may command earnings ranging from $200 to $500 per occasion, while industrial settings can bill anywhere from $50 to $80 per hour, especially at larger facilities like Toyota and Boeing. College athletics may offer stipends that significantly enhance overall earnings during playoff games. Some trainers opt for positions with lower hourly wages for the added benefits, such as health insurance. Navigating hourly negotiations in Santa Maria requires an understanding of these dynamics to advocate effectively for competitive rates while balancing the benefits offered by different employers, including schools versus professional teams or industrial roles.
More salary data for Santa Maria, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Santa Maria in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Santa Maria?
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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 Santa Maria. 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 Santa Maria 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