Athletic Trainer Salary in Chico, CA: $81,213 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Chico, CA earns a median $81,213/year (≈ $39.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Chico's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $71,806 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Chico, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $81,213, which is significantly higher than the national median of $65,415, marking a 24.15% increase in compensation over the national standard. The salary range for athletic trainers in this region extends from $63,554 at the lower tenth percentile to as much as $118,048 at the upper ninetieth percentile. These figures are informed by estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusting for regional price parities, and reflect the impact of the 2022 transition to master's-degree-required programs. This shift has reshaped entry-level compensation, positioning Chico as an attractive market for newly certified professionals in this health and wellness field.
About the Chico Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,554 | $30.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,030 | $34.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,213 | $39.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,723 | $47.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,048 | $56.75 |
Median Salary Position
24.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
In Chico, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,494 (2026 est.). At $81,213, the local median is 24.15% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chico: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chico Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Chico median: $81,213/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chico Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,132 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +24.15% more |
Athletic Trainers in Chico, CA earn a median of $81,213 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.15% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.10% above the California state average of $81,132.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chico has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chico, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,213 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,806 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,139
2025 BLS Actual
$77,619
2026 Current Est.
$81,213
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,139 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,902 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,114 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,843 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,473 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,619 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,213 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,973 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chico metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $60,139 (2019) to $77,619 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,973 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,834 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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) | $63,554 – $72,030 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,030 – $81,213 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,213 – $98,723 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,723 – $118,048 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Chico
With 20 athletic trainers currently employed in the Chico area, the local job market reveals both opportunities and challenges for new graduates navigating their careers. The cost of living index in Chico stands at 113.1, indicating that living expenses are higher than the national average, which directly influences take-home pay and purchasing power. Among the athletic trainers in Chico, those working in university settings, particularly in NCAA institutions, tend to have the most competitive salaries. In contrast, positions in high school athletic training often offer lower compensation. The disparity in pay can be attributed to various factors, including the type of employer, the specific role—head athletic trainer versus assistant—and additional certifications that enhance an applicant's qualifications, such as CSCS or OCS-AT. Aspiring athletic trainers can improve their earning potential by seeking year-round contracts and gaining experience in different settings, particularly industrial or occupational health environments, which can yield 30-50% higher salaries compared to traditional sports roles.
More salary data for Chico, 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
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 $77,619 for athletic trainersin the Chico 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 Chico 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