Athletic Trainer Salary in San Rafael, CA: $82,356 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in San Rafael, CA earns a median $82,356/year (≈ $39.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in San Rafael's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,817 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in San Rafael, CA, have a promising earning potential, with a median annual salary of $82,356 projected for 2026. This figure significantly exceeds the national average for athletic trainers, which is estimated at $65,415 for the same year, indicating a local premium for these professionals. Potential earnings in San Rafael vary widely, with a range stretching from $63,661 at the lowest decile to an impressive $114,714 at the 90th percentile. These projections are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the regional cost of living in San Rafael, and reflect the increasing demand for qualified athletic trainers in both educational and industrial settings as the profession evolves post-2022 master's transition.
About the San Rafael Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,661 | $30.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,215 | $34.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,356 | $39.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,538 | $46.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,714 | $55.15 |
Median Salary Position
25.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Rafael
In San Rafael, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,053 (2026 est.). At $82,356, the local median is 25.9% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Rafael: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Rafael Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
San Rafael median: $82,356/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Rafael Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,139 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +25.90% more |
Athletic Trainers in San Rafael, CA earn a median of $82,356 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.90% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.50% above the California state average of $81,139.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Rafael has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Rafael, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,356 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,817 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,985
2025 BLS Actual
$78,712
2026 Current Est.
$82,356
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,985 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,773 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,960 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,784 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,933 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,712 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,356 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,169 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Rafael metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $60,985 (2019) to $78,712 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,169 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,184 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Rafael 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) | $63,661 – $72,215 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,215 – $82,356 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,356 – $97,538 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,538 – $114,714 |
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 Rafael
The job market for athletic trainers in San Rafael is relatively small, with only 11 professionals employed in the area. However, the local cost of living, indexed at 113.1, suggests that trainers must consider how their salaries translate to purchasing power. High-paying employers range from secondary schools to collegiate and professional sports teams, with industrial health settings often commanding the highest salaries. Factors influencing pay variation include the operational setting—professional sports typically offer the most lucrative roles compared to high schools—and additional responsibilities such as event coverage or specialized certifications. For those navigating the San Rafael market, optimal strategies include pursuing certifications from organizations like the BOC and gaining experience in high-demand contexts to maximize their athletic trainer pay in San Rafael, CA.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in San Rafael, CA in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in San Rafael?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in San Rafael?
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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 $78,712 for athletic trainersin the San Rafael 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 Rafael 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