Athletic Trainer Salary in Compton, CA: $80,396 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Compton, CA earns a median $80,396/year (≈ $38.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Compton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $71,084 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Compton, California, the current labor market reflects a highly competitive landscape for athletic trainers, particularly in industrial settings, where the 2026 projected median annual salary stands at $80,396. This figure outpaces the national median for the profession by approximately 22.90%, highlighting a significant local pay advantage. With a salary range extending from $59,007 at the lower end to $111,045 at the upper tier, these estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments underscore the city's unique economic conditions. With the growth rate projected at 4.63% annually, Compton’s athletic trainers are positioned favorably within both the local and broader health industry, prompting an ongoing interest in the field as the demand for certified professionals continues to rise.
About the Compton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,007 | $28.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,965 | $35.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,396 | $38.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,652 | $45.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,045 | $53.38 |
Median Salary Position
22.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Compton
In Compton, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,038 (2026 est.). At $80,396, the local median is 22.9% above the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Compton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Compton Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Compton median: $80,396/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Compton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,208 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +22.90% more |
Athletic Trainers in Compton, CA earn a median of $80,396 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.90% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.00% below the California state average of $81,208.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Compton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Compton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,396 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,084 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,533
2025 BLS Actual
$76,838
2026 Current Est.
$80,396
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,533 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,279 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,509 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,197 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,653 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,838 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,396 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,118 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Compton metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $59,533 (2019) to $76,838 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,118 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,585 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Compton 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) | $59,007 – $72,965 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,965 – $80,396 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,396 – $94,652 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,652 – $111,045 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Compton
The job market for athletic trainers in Compton comprises 25 positions, giving a sense of opportunity within such a focused number of active professionals. However, the cost of living index at 113.1 suggests that salaries must align with increased living expenses to maintain quality of life. Among employers, industrial health settings tend to offer higher compensation compared to traditional roles in high schools or colleges. Factors driving the disparity in salaries include the type of employment setting, with professional sports teams generally paying more than educational institutions. Additionally, full-time positions that encompass head athletic trainer roles and year-round contracts often yield higher salaries, complemented by additional stipends for off-hours events and certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT. To maximize earning potential in Compton, athletic trainers should consider targeting industrial environments and seeking roles that offer a wider range of responsibilities, which can contribute to enhanced financial rewards in this evolving field.
More salary data for Compton, 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 $76,838 for athletic trainersin the Compton 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 Compton 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