Athletic Trainer Salary in Hawthorne, CA: $80,203 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Hawthorne, CA earns a median $80,203/year (≈ $38.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Hawthorne's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $70,913 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Hawthorne, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $80,203, marking a significant increase compared to the national median of $65,415. This salary reflects the local landscape, where earnings range from $58,640 at the lower end to $110,599 for those in more advanced roles. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, illustrate how the 2022 transition to a master’s degree requirement has impacted entry-level compensation in the field. With the demand for qualified athletic trainers increasing, Hawthorne's job market offers robust opportunities for professionals entering the industry, especially given the competitive pay structure driven by local employers.
About the Hawthorne Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,640 | $28.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,559 | $34.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,203 | $38.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,132 | $45.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,599 | $53.17 |
Median Salary Position
22.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hawthorne
In Hawthorne, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,959 (2026 est.). At $80,203, the local median is 22.61% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hawthorne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hawthorne Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Hawthorne median: $80,203/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hawthorne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,177 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +22.61% more |
Athletic Trainers in Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $80,203 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.61% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.20% below the California state average of $81,177.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hawthorne has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hawthorne, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,203 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,913 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,391
2025 BLS Actual
$76,654
2026 Current Est.
$80,203
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,391 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,132 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,366 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,012 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,026 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,654 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,203 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,916 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hawthorne metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $59,391 (2019) to $76,654 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,916 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,525 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawthorne 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) | $58,640 – $72,559 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,559 – $80,203 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,203 – $94,132 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,132 – $110,599 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Hawthorne
The job market in Hawthorne currently supports 13 athletic trainers, contributing to a dynamic professional environment. Given the cost-of-living index of 113.1, which exceeds the national average, it's crucial for these professionals to consider their take-home purchasing power within the region. Among local employers, positions with professional sports teams tend to provide the highest salaries, while secondary schools typically offer lower compensation. Factors influencing salary disparities include contract differences based on employment settings, such as year-round roles in industrial environments compared to seasonal positions in educational settings. To optimize earnings, athletic trainers should seek certifications from organizations like the BOC or obtain industry-specific credentials, and consider taking on additional responsibilities such as managing evening or weekend events, which often come with stipends.
More salary data for Hawthorne, 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 $76,654 for athletic trainersin the Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne 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