Athletic Trainer Salary in Glendale, CA: $81,666 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Glendale, CA earns a median $81,666/year (≈ $39.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Glendale's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,207 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Glendale, California, athletic trainers earn a median annual salary of $81,666 in 2026, reflecting a notable increase compared to the national average of $65,415. With salaries ranging from $64,370 at the 10th percentile to $119,840 at the 90th percentile, there's significant variability influenced by factors such as certification level, experience, and the specific employment setting. These projections are based on 2025 BLS data that accounts for cost adjustments in the region, where local market dynamics and the cost of living contribute to the compensation figures. As the demand for certified athletic trainers continues, those aiming for positions in Glendale can find opportunities that not only offer competitive pay but also the potential for growth in a robust job market.
About the Glendale Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,370 | $30.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,968 | $35.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,666 | $39.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,756 | $47.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,840 | $57.62 |
Median Salary Position
24.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Glendale
In Glendale, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,470 (2026 est.). At $81,666, the local median is 24.84% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Glendale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Glendale Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Glendale median: $81,666/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Glendale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,179 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +24.84% more |
Athletic Trainers in Glendale, CA earn a median of $81,666 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.84% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.60% above the California state average of $81,179.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Glendale has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Glendale, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,666 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,207 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,474
2025 BLS Actual
$78,052
2026 Current Est.
$81,666
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,474 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,247 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,449 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,216 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,322 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,927 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,052 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,666 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,447 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Glendale metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $60,474 (2019) to $78,052 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,447 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,973 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glendale 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) | $64,370 – $72,968 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,968 – $81,666 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,666 – $99,756 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,756 – $119,840 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Glendale
The local job market in Glendale currently has 36 athletic trainers, indicating a healthy demand that aligns with the projected annual growth rate of 4.63% in the field. However, the cost of living index in Glendale stands at 113.1, which means that while salaries are higher than many parts of the country, purchasing power may be affected. Among various employers, collegiate institutions and professional sports teams typically offer the highest pay, outpacing the compensation found in secondary schools or outpatient clinics. The disparity in salaries across different work environments often results from factors such as the nature of contracts (year-round versus school-year), responsibilities (head trainer versus assistant roles), and the additional stipends for work outside regular hours. For those in Glendale, pursuing advanced certifications like the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or orthopedic clinical specialty (OCS-AT), while gaining experience in high-paying sectors, can significantly enhance earning potential in this competitive market.
More salary data for Glendale, 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 $78,052 for athletic trainersin the Glendale 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 Glendale 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