Athletic Trainer Salary in Long Beach, CA: $80,717 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Long Beach, CA earns a median $80,717/year (≈ $38.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Long Beach's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $71,368 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As the demand for athletic trainers continues to evolve, the projected median annual salary for these professionals in Long Beach, California, is estimated at $80,717 for 2026. This figure reflects a substantial premium compared to the national median of $65,415, highlighting Long Beach's competitive edge within the field. The salary range for athletic trainers in this area varies widely, with entry-level positions earning around $56,855 and more experienced trainers potentially reaching $122,934. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, illustrate how the local job market balances school-year roles with year-round contracts found in industrial settings. The landscape in Long Beach showcases opportunities that may favor those willing to work in diverse athletic environments, effectively boosting their earning potential.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,855 | $27.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,764 | $34.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,717 | $38.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,879 | $48.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,934 | $59.11 |
Median Salary Position
23.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Beach
In Long Beach, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,079 (2026 est.). At $80,717, the local median is 23.39% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Long Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Long Beach Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Long Beach median: $80,717/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Long Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,204 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +23.39% more |
Athletic Trainers in Long Beach, CA earn a median of $80,717 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.39% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.60% below the California state average of $81,204.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Long Beach has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Long Beach, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,717 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,368 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,771
2025 BLS Actual
$77,145
2026 Current Est.
$80,717
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,771 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,524 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,747 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,435 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,481 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,787 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,145 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,717 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,454 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Long Beach metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $59,771 (2019) to $77,145 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,454 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,683 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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) | $56,855 – $71,764 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,764 – $80,717 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,717 – $100,879 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,879 – $122,934 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Long Beach
The job market for athletic trainers in Long Beach is relatively robust, with approximately 89 professionals currently employed in this sector. However, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, financial considerations are important for those entering this field. Those working in outpatient clinics, industrial health settings like Toyota and Boeing, or even professional sports teams, typically offer the highest salaries. The disparity in pay often arises from the nature of the work environment—positions in professional sports can significantly outpace those in educational institutions. Factors such as role specificity, the difference in contracts between full-time and part-time positions, and additional certifications can influence earning power. Aspiring athletic trainers in Long Beach should consider obtaining specialized credentials like the CSCS or OCS-AT to enhance their job prospects and salaries, particularly in a competitive market that rewards both expertise and adaptability.
More salary data for Long Beach, 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 $77,145 for athletic trainersin the Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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