Athletic Trainer Salary in Turlock, CA: $79,380 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Turlock, CA earns a median $79,380/year (≈ $38.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Turlock's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $70,186 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Turlock, California, the demand for athletic trainers has shaped a favorable salary environment, particularly following the upcoming requirement for a master's degree as of 2022. Local estimates project a median annual salary of $79,380 for athletic trainers in 2026, offering a significant premium compared to the national median of $65,415. The salary landscape in Turlock features a broad range, with figures varying from $63,006 at the 10th percentile to $115,572 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics state-level data adjusted for regional cost differences, indicate a supportive job market for athletic trainers and highlight the specialization needed in this evolving field.
About the Turlock Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,006 | $30.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,839 | $34.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,380 | $38.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,015 | $46.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,572 | $55.56 |
Median Salary Position
21.35% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Turlock
In Turlock, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,566 (2026 est.). At $79,380, the local median is 21.35% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Turlock: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Turlock Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Turlock median: $79,380/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Turlock Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,165 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +21.35% more |
Athletic Trainers in Turlock, CA earn a median of $79,380 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.35% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.20% below the California state average of $81,165.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Turlock has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Turlock, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,380 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,186 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,781
2025 BLS Actual
$75,867
2026 Current Est.
$79,380
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Turlock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,781 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,504 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,757 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,334 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,297 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,634 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,867 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,380 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,055 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Turlock metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $58,781 (2019) to $75,867 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,055 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,274 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Turlock 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) | $63,006 – $70,839 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,839 – $79,380 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,380 – $97,015 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,015 – $115,572 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Turlock
With 17 athletic trainers currently employed in the Turlock area, the local job market is fairly competitive. However, the higher cost of living, represented by a cost of living index of 113.1, somewhat impacts the purchasing power of salaries here. While secondary schools usually offer lower pay compared to roles in colleges and professional sports, settings like occupational health facilities — including major employers like Toyota and FedEx — can provide salaries that are 30-50% more than traditional school athletic training positions. Factors such as experience level, specific certifications (like CSCS or OCS-AT), and the type of contract (year-round versus school-year) significantly influence pay variations. To enhance salary prospects in Turlock, athletic trainers should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking positions in industrial settings, where the wage potential is notably higher.
More salary data for Turlock, 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 $75,867 for athletic trainersin the Turlock 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 Turlock 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