Athletic Trainer Salary in San Buenaventura, CA: $81,981 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in San Buenaventura, CA earns a median $81,981/year (≈ $39.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in San Buenaventura's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,485 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected athletic trainer salary in San Buenaventura is set at $81,981, significantly higher than the national median of $65,415, which reflects the impact of the master's degree transition mandated by 2022. Athletic trainers in this region will see a salary range from $65,112 at the lower end (P10) to $120,944 for top earners (P90). These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and take into account local cost-of-living adjustments reflective of San Buenaventura's housing market and economic conditions. The growth trend illustrates a healthy demand for athletic trainers, which may increase competition among employers looking to recruit top talent in this field.
About the San Buenaventura Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,112 | $31.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,624 | $35.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,981 | $39.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,523 | $48.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,944 | $58.14 |
Median Salary Position
25.32% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Buenaventura
In San Buenaventura, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,832 (2026 est.). At $81,981, the local median is 25.32% above the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in San Buenaventura: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Buenaventura Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
San Buenaventura median: $81,981/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Buenaventura Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,169 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +25.32% more |
Athletic Trainers in San Buenaventura, CA earn a median of $81,981 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.32% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.00% above the California state average of $81,169.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Buenaventura has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Buenaventura, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,981 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,485 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,707
2025 BLS Actual
$78,353
2026 Current Est.
$81,981
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in San Buenaventura (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,707 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,487 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,682 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,475 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,601 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,243 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,353 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,981 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,776 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Buenaventura metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $60,707 (2019) to $78,353 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,776 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,069 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Buenaventura 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) | $65,112 – $73,624 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,624 – $81,981 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,981 – $100,523 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,523 – $120,944 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in San Buenaventura
Currently, there are 19 athletic trainers employed in San Buenaventura, CA, making the market moderately competitive. The cost of living index here stands at 113.1, indicating that living expenses are above the national average, which can affect take-home purchasing power. High school athletic trainers may earn less than their counterparts in college settings or professional sports, where salaries tend to be more attractive due to the nature of competition and commitment. Employers that consistently offer the highest pay include colleges and universities, and those working in industrial and occupational health settings, such as Toyota or Boeing. The variation in salaries is driven by factors such as the level of responsibility—head athletic trainers typically earn more than assistants—as well as contract length and additional stipends for specialized events. To maximize compensation, pursuing certification add-ons such as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) can increase opportunities for both negotiation and job offers tailored to this evolving job market.
More salary data for San Buenaventura, 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 $78,353 for athletic trainersin the San Buenaventura 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 San Buenaventura 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