Athletic Trainer Salary in Fullerton, CA: $83,384 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Fullerton, CA earns a median $83,384/year (≈ $40.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Fullerton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $73,726 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Fullerton, California can expect a median annual salary of $83,384, reflecting the profession's shift from a traditional bachelor's degree to a master's requirement starting in 2022. The salary range for this occupation varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $61,926, while experienced trainers can make up to $120,523. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price variations. Fullerton's attractive pay is over 27% higher than the national median of $65,415, indicating a robust job market for athletic trainers in the area.
About the Fullerton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,926 | $29.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,627 | $34.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,384 | $40.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,764 | $48.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,523 | $57.94 |
Median Salary Position
27.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fullerton
In Fullerton, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,597 (2026 est.). At $83,384, the local median is 27.47% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fullerton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fullerton Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Fullerton median: $83,384/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fullerton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,192 | +2.70% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +27.47% more |
Athletic Trainers in Fullerton, CA earn a median of $83,384 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.47% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.70% above the California state average of $81,192.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fullerton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fullerton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,384 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,726 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,746
2025 BLS Actual
$79,694
2026 Current Est.
$83,384
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,746 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,556 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,721 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,843 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,651 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,694 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,384 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,245 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fullerton metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $61,746 (2019) to $79,694 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,245 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,499 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fullerton 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) | $61,926 – $71,627 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,627 – $83,384 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,384 – $100,764 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,764 – $120,523 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Fullerton
The local job market for athletic trainers is competitive, with around 25 professionals currently employed in Fullerton. Given the area's cost of living index of 113.1, these salaries provide a solid foundation for purchasing power, especially compared to national averages. Positions with secondary schools tend to offer the lowest compensation, whereas those affiliated with professional sports teams or industry-based roles, such as athletic trainers for organizations like Toyota and FedEx, can earn significantly more. A variety of factors influences pay disparities, including the settings in which athletic trainers work, their roles—whether head trainers or assistants—and additional stipends for specialized duties. For those in Fullerton looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT can provide a competitive edge, while seeking year-round contracts rather than school-year roles may enhance earnings potential.
More salary data for Fullerton, 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 $79,694 for athletic trainersin the Fullerton 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 Fullerton 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