Athletic Trainer Salary in Downey, CA: $82,190 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Downey, CA earns a median $82,190/year (≈ $39.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Downey's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,670 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer salary in Downey, CA is projected to reach a median of $82,190, reflecting a notable advantage over the national average, which stands at $65,415. This region's salary range spans from $59,162 at the lower percentile to $121,682 for top earners, illustrating a diverse landscape for compensation. The variation in pay can be attributed to the predominance of industrial settings compared to traditional sports roles in Downey. Those working with professional sports teams or in higher education institutions typically earn more than those situated within high schools or outpatient clinics. Given Downey's unique market composition, athletic trainers may find lucrative opportunities that exceed the median figures when positioned strategically within the local industry.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,162 | $28.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,280 | $34.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,190 | $39.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,035 | $48.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,682 | $58.50 |
Median Salary Position
25.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downey
In Downey, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,520 (2026 est.). At $82,190, the local median is 25.64% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downey Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Downey median: $82,190/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,135 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +25.64% more |
Athletic Trainers in Downey, CA earn a median of $82,190 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.64% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.30% above the California state average of $81,135.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downey has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downey, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,190 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,670 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,862
2025 BLS Actual
$78,553
2026 Current Est.
$82,190
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,862 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,646 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,837 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,647 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,786 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,454 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,553 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,190 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,995 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downey metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $60,862 (2019) to $78,553 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,995 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,133 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey 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) | $59,162 – $72,280 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,280 – $82,190 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,190 – $101,035 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,035 – $121,682 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Downey
Considering the local job market, there are currently 22 athletic trainers employed in Downey, navigating a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which is higher than the national average. This environment can affect take-home pay, as expenses may eat into salaries but also reflect the premium placed on skilled professionals. Employers offering the highest compensation include those in settings like Toyota, Boeing, and FedEx—where the demand for industrial athletic trainers is increasing due to a greater investment in employee wellness. The pay disparity between different roles often hinges on factors such as job setting, type of contract, and certifications. Athletic trainers aiming to maximize their earnings in Downey should seek opportunities in industrial health settings, pursue relevant certifications, and consider roles with year-round contracts that may provide additional earning potential compared to school-year positions.
More salary data for Downey, 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 $78,553 for athletic trainersin the Downey 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 Downey 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