Athletic Trainer Salary in Berkeley, CA: $81,475 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Berkeley, CA earns a median $81,475/year (≈ $39.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Berkeley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,038 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Berkeley, California, can expect a median annual salary of $81,475. This figure reflects not only local conditions but also the higher income potential available in diverse employment settings, where salaries can range from $63,924 at the lower end (P10) to as much as $113,896 for those at the upper spectrum (P90). These estimates are influenced by the region's unique cost of living, which is notably above the national average, underscoring the importance of understanding how local conditions impact compensation. With Berkeley's job market actively engaging approximately 23 athletic trainers, it’s clear that the demand for these professionals is stable, offering various avenues for career growth and specialization.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,924 | $30.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,573 | $34.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,475 | $39.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,159 | $46.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,896 | $54.75 |
Median Salary Position
24.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berkeley
In Berkeley, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,972 (2026 est.). At $81,475, the local median is 24.55% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Berkeley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Berkeley Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Berkeley median: $81,475/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Berkeley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,151 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +24.55% more |
Athletic Trainers in Berkeley, CA earn a median of $81,475 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.55% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.40% above the California state average of $81,151.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Berkeley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Berkeley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,475 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,038 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,333
2025 BLS Actual
$77,870
2026 Current Est.
$81,475
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,333 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,102 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,308 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,059 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,153 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,736 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,870 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,475 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,248 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Berkeley metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $60,333 (2019) to $77,870 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,248 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,915 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berkeley 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $63,924 – $72,573 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,573 – $81,475 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,475 – $96,159 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,159 – $113,896 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Berkeley
The local athletic trainer pay in Berkeley, CA, indicates a robust job market comparative to many other regions. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the purchasing power of salaries can be significantly impacted, pushing professionals to seek positions with optimal compensation. Employers such as NCAA colleges, professional sports teams, and major industrial corporations typically offer the highest salaries, showcasing a hierarchy where athletic trainers in professional settings command greater financial reward than their high school colleagues. Factors contributing to salary disparities include the type of contract—whether year-round or academic year—as well as distinctions in roles, such as head athletic trainers versus assistants. Additional compensation can arise from evening and weekend obligations at events, as well as specialized certifications like the CSCS or OCS-AT. To maximize potential earnings, aspiring athletic trainers should consider targeting industries that tend to provide the highest pay and actively pursue certifications that align with those roles.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Berkeley, CA 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $77,870 for athletic trainersin the Berkeley metropolitan area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Berkeley 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