Athletic Trainer Salary in Westminster, CA: $82,048 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Westminster, CA earns a median $82,048/year (≈ $39.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Westminster's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,545 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westminster, California, the compensation for athletic trainers is notably favorable, with a median annual salary projected at $82,048 for 2026, illuminating a significant advantage over the national median of $65,415. This figure reflects the growing demand for athletic trainers, particularly in industrial settings, where salaries can exceed those of traditional educational environments. The salary range in Westminster varies considerably, from $62,667 at the 10th percentile to $116,910 at the 90th percentile, pointing to a competitive job market influenced by the unique needs of various employers. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, suggest that athletic trainers in the area stand to benefit from a robust and evolving landscape in the field.
About the Westminster Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,667 | $30.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,566 | $34.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,048 | $39.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,558 | $47.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,910 | $56.21 |
Median Salary Position
25.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westminster
In Westminster, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,243 (2026 est.). At $82,048, the local median is 25.43% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Westminster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Westminster Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Westminster median: $82,048/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westminster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,155 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +25.43% more |
Athletic Trainers in Westminster, CA earn a median of $82,048 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.43% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.10% above the California state average of $81,155.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westminster has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westminster, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,048 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,545 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,757
2025 BLS Actual
$78,417
2026 Current Est.
$82,048
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,757 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,538 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,732 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,311 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,417 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,048 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,847 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westminster metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $60,757 (2019) to $78,417 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,847 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,090 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westminster 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) | $62,667 – $71,566 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,566 – $82,048 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,048 – $98,558 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,558 – $116,910 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Westminster
With 21 athletic trainers currently employed in Westminster, the local job market demonstrates a steady demand, influenced by both the cost of living and the types of positions available. The area's cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating higher living expenses, which can impact take-home purchasing power. Employers such as secondary schools, colleges, and industrial health settings often pay varied salaries based on the context in which athletic trainers operate. Professional sports teams generally offer the highest compensation, while industrial roles frequently provide significant financial incentives due to the nature of the work, with head athletic trainers earning more than their assistant counterparts. Strategies for maximizing athletic trainer pay in Westminster, CA, include pursuing certifications to boost qualifications, seeking positions with year-round contracts, and considering extra compensation for evening and weekend event management.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Westminster, CA in 2026?
Is Westminster, CA a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Westminster?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Westminster?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Westminster?
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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 $78,417 for athletic trainersin the Westminster 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 Westminster 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