Athletic Trainer Salary in Davis, CA: $78,557 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Davis, CA earns a median $78,557/year (≈ $37.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Davis's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $69,458 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Davis, California can expect a median annual salary of $78,557, marking a significant increase compared to the national median of $65,415. This represents a local compensation level that exceeds the national average by over 20%, reflective of the highest educational standards in the field—particularly the master's degree requirement established in 2022, which reshaped entry-level earnings. Salary ranges for athletic trainers in this region span from $61,066 at the 10th percentile level to a maximum of $109,850 at the 90th percentile, indicating a broad spectrum of opportunities based on experience and position. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and take into account regional price adjustments, underscoring the competitive nature of the local job market for athletic trainers.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,066 | $29.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,140 | $33.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,557 | $37.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,015 | $45.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,850 | $52.82 |
Median Salary Position
20.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
In Davis, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,784 (2026 est.). At $78,557, the local median is 20.09% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Davis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Davis Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Davis median: $78,557/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Davis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,154 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +20.09% more |
Athletic Trainers in Davis, CA earn a median of $78,557 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.09% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.20% below the California state average of $81,154.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Davis has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Davis, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,557 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,458 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,172
2025 BLS Actual
$75,081
2026 Current Est.
$78,557
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,172 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,877 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,148 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,657 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,569 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,809 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,081 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,557 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,194 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Davis metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $58,172 (2019) to $75,081 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,194 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,022 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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) | $61,066 – $69,140 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,140 – $78,557 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,557 – $95,015 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,015 – $109,850 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Davis
The job market in Davis comprises 14 currently employed athletic trainers, which creates a tight-knit community within the profession. However, the cost of living index at 113.1 indicates that take-home pay may not stretch as far compared to other regions. Notably, those employed in industrial or occupational health settings, such as Toyota or Boeing, typically earn higher salaries, in some cases up to 50% more than their peers in secondary school environments. Factors influencing salary variations include the type of employer, with professional sports teams usually offering the highest compensation, while high school athletic trainers may have more limited budgets. Additionally, strategies such as seeking certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT, pursuing head athletic trainer roles versus assistant positions, and negotiating for stipends for extra events can substantially increase overall pay. This dynamic environment suggests that athletic trainers who understand local employment patterns and seek diverse opportunities can maximize their earning potential in Davis, CA.
More salary data for Davis, 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 $75,081 for athletic trainersin the Davis 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 Davis 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