Athletic Trainer Salary in Mission Viejo, CA: $81,925 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Mission Viejo, CA earns a median $81,925/year (≈ $39.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Mission Viejo's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,436 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Mission Viejo, California, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $81,925, which represents a significant increase compared to the national median of $65,415. The salary range for professionals in this field extends from $62,710 at the 10th percentile to $113,498 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying settings in which athletic trainers work. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors highlight the competitive nature of compensation in this area, particularly as job opportunities often skew toward industrial or occupational health roles that typically offer higher pay than traditional school-based positions. In Mission Viejo, the athletic trainer salary landscape signifies a robust market that may attract more trained professionals seeking favorable compensation packages.
About the Mission Viejo Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,710 | $30.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,310 | $34.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,925 | $39.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,469 | $46.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,498 | $54.56 |
Median Salary Position
25.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mission Viejo
In Mission Viejo, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,788 (2026 est.). At $81,925, the local median is 25.24% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mission Viejo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mission Viejo Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Mission Viejo median: $81,925/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mission Viejo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,195 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +25.24% more |
Athletic Trainers in Mission Viejo, CA earn a median of $81,925 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.24% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.90% above the California state average of $81,195.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mission Viejo has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mission Viejo, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,925 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,436 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,666
2025 BLS Actual
$78,300
2026 Current Est.
$81,925
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Mission Viejo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,666 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,445 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,641 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,429 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,551 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,188 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,925 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,718 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mission Viejo metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $60,666 (2019) to $78,300 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,718 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,052 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mission Viejo 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) | $62,710 – $71,310 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,310 – $81,925 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,925 – $96,469 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,469 – $113,498 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Mission Viejo
The local job market currently employs 23 athletic trainers, demonstrating a solid demand for these professionals in Mission Viejo. The cost-of-living index of 113.1 indicates that residents face higher living expenses compared to the national average, which can impact disposable income and overall earnings. Among local employers, those in industrial settings such as Toyota and Boeing generally provide the most lucrative opportunities, outpacing high school athletic trainers, NCAA institutions, and outpatient clinics. Discrepancies in pay often arise from variations in work environments, with professional sports roles commanding higher salaries. Strategies for maximizing earnings in this area include pursuing advanced certifications like the CSCS or OCS-AT, seeking head athletic trainer positions over assistant roles, and negotiating contracts that account for evening or weekend commitments. Emphasizing continuous professional development will be crucial as the field adapts to the post-master's degree landscape and evolving occupational demands.
More salary data for Mission Viejo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Mission Viejo, CA in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Mission Viejo?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Mission Viejo?
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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 $78,300 for athletic trainersin the Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo 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