Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Turlock, CA: $38.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Turlock, CA runs $38.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,380 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Turlock's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,622 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Turlock, California, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $38.16, well above the national median of $31.45. This strong local figure presents significant earning potential for both full-time and part-time trainers, especially those working in high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional team training environments. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, the attractive hourly pay can translate to a competitive monthly income. The hourly wage range spans from $30.29 for entry-level roles (P10) to $55.56 for top earners (P90), allowing for considerable variability depending on experience and the specific setting of employment. These hourly wages, derived from projected annual salaries, highlight Turlock's advantageous position within California, where athletic trainers are likely to find work across diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, and sports.
About the Turlock 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) | $30.29 | $242.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.06 | $272.46 |
| Median (P50) | $38.16 | $305.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.64 | $373.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.56 | $444.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Turlock
Based on $38.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.16/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Turlock, CA can expect to earn approximately $79,370 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,790. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Turlock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Turlock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,526.34 | $6,614 | $79,370 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $915.81 | $3,968 | $47,622 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $610.54 | $2,646 | $31,748 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Turlock) | $38.16 |
| 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 Turlock, CA earn a median of $79,380 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.35% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.20% below the California state average of $81,165.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.16/hr = $47,622/year (purchasing power: $42,106).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,370/year (purchasing power: $70,177).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Turlock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Turlock grew 29.1% from $28.26/hr (2019) to $36.47/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.93/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 Turlock 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 Turlock
When considering part-time work for an athletic trainer in Turlock, the annual earnings for someone working just 24 hours a week can differ notably from their full-time counterparts. While a dedicated per diem athletic trainer may earn between $200 and $500 for game coverage or specialized events, the steady hours of traditional roles may yield a more predictable income stream and benefits, albeit potentially at a lower hourly rate. Different employer types also influence compensation; those employed by secondary schools might see different rates than trainers in NCAA colleges or working with professional sports teams. Additionally, industrial or occupational health roles often pay more, with billing rates around $50-$80 per hour. Many athletic trainers are faced with the choice of accepting lower hourly wages that include health insurance benefits versus higher rates with no benefits, indicating the need for careful consideration in salary negotiations. Understanding these dynamics can help emerging professionals map out their career strategies within Turlock’s vibrant athletic training scene.
More salary data for Turlock, 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 Turlock. 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 Turlock 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