Athletic Trainer Salary in Modesto, CA: $82,320 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Modesto, CA earns a median $82,320/year (≈ $39.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Modesto's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,785 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $82,320 in 2026, the earnings for athletic trainers in Modesto, California, reflect a notable increase in the field, particularly when contrasted with the national median of $65,415. The local salary range spans from $59,619 at the 10th percentile to $122,361 at the 90th percentile, showcasing substantial earning potential for those who excel in their roles. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and incorporate regional cost adjustments, which are crucial in a city with a cost of living index of 113.1. Modesto's job market for athletic trainers includes various employment settings that influence compensation, providing opportunities ranging from high school sports to industrial health environments.
About the Modesto Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,619 | $28.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,625 | $33.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,320 | $39.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,858 | $48.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,361 | $58.82 |
Median Salary Position
25.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Modesto
In Modesto, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,742 (2026 est.). At $82,320, the local median is 25.84% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Modesto: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Modesto Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Modesto median: $82,320/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Modesto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,183 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +25.84% more |
Athletic Trainers in Modesto, CA earn a median of $82,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.84% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.40% above the California state average of $81,183.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Modesto has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Modesto, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,320 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,785 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,958
2025 BLS Actual
$78,677
2026 Current Est.
$82,320
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,958 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,745 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,933 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,754 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,901 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,583 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,677 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,320 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,131 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Modesto metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $60,958 (2019) to $78,677 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,131 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,173 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Modesto 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) | $59,619 – $69,625 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,625 – $82,320 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,320 – $100,858 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,858 – $122,361 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Modesto
Examining the local job market, there are currently 45 athletic trainers employed in Modesto, which indicates a moderate demand for these professionals. Given the cost of living reality in the area, the purchasing power for athletic trainers must be carefully assessed, as the higher living expenses can impact their take-home income. Among potential employers, industrial and occupational health settings, such as those at companies like Toyota and FedEx, often offer higher salaries compared to positions in high schools or colleges. This disparity is driven by factors such as different employment structures, year-round versus school-year contracts, and specific roles that vary in responsibility. For athletic trainers in Modesto, aligning oneself with employers in industries prioritizing worker health can significantly enhance overall salary prospects. To maximize earnings, pursuing additional certifications or seeking roles with added responsibilities—such as head athletic trainer positions—may yield better financial outcomes and job stability in the evolving athletic training landscape.
More salary data for Modesto, 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 $78,677 for athletic trainersin the Modesto 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 Modesto 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