Athletic Trainer Salary in Lakewood, CA: $79,110 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Lakewood, CA earns a median $79,110/year (≈ $38.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $69,947 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Lakewood, California, can anticipate a median annual salary of $79,110 in 2026, a figure that notably surpasses the national median of $65,415 by approximately 20.94%. The salary range for athletic trainers in this area reflects a diversity of positions and experiences, with the lower end starting at $62,448 and the upper echelon reaching $111,965. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, illustrate the competitive landscape for athletic trainer pay in Lakewood, CA. With a focus on both industrial and traditional sports settings, the disparity in pay highlights the greater demand and financial rewards often found in industrial roles compared to those in school environments.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,448 | $30.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,547 | $32.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,110 | $38.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,574 | $45.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,965 | $53.83 |
Median Salary Position
20.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,517 (2026 est.). At $79,110, the local median is 20.94% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $79,110/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,138 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +20.94% more |
Athletic Trainers in Lakewood, CA earn a median of $79,110 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.94% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.50% below the California state average of $81,138.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,110 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,947 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,581
2025 BLS Actual
$75,609
2026 Current Est.
$79,110
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,581 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,299 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,557 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,112 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,058 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,363 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,609 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,110 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,772 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $58,581 (2019) to $75,609 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,772 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,191 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $62,448 – $68,547 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,547 – $79,110 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,110 – $94,574 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,574 – $111,965 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Lakewood
Despite only 19 athletic trainers employed in Lakewood, the market presents several lucrative opportunities. The local cost-of-living index of 113.1 suggests that take-home purchasing power is slightly strained, making higher salaries crucial for residents. In terms of employers, individuals working in professional sports, such as those affiliated with NFL or NBA teams, typically command the highest pay, followed by those in industrial health settings with organizations like Toyota or Boeing. The disparity in salaries can often be attributed to the specific setting, contractual obligations, and various additional certifications, such as CSCS or OCS-AT, that can significantly increase earning potential. To maximize income in this market, athletic trainers should consider pursuing roles in higher-paying sectors, obtaining further credentials, and being proactive in seeking opportunities that reward experience and specialization—especially within high-demand environments.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 $75,609 for athletic trainersin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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