Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Los Angeles, CA: $113,691 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Los Angeles, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $113,691/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Los Angeles's price premium (BEA RPP 113.6, 14% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $100,110 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior athletic trainers in Los Angeles, California, have the potential to earn significantly higher salaries compared to their counterparts nationally, with top earners reaching up to $113,691 in 2026. The median annual salary for experienced athletic trainers stands at $80,450, revealing a considerable gap to the upper echelon of pay that confirms the value of extensive experience in this field. To realize this top-tier compensation, professionals often need to build a robust network within the industry, accumulate specialized skills, and engage with niches such as professional sports or high-level collegiate athletics, where salaries tend to be elevated compared to entry-level or secondary school positions. As urban centers like Los Angeles continue to prioritize sports health and wellness, the opportunities for salary growth await those who pursue advanced credentials and leadership paths.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Los Angeles
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Los Angeles earn between $97,808 and $113,691 per year (2026 est.). This $51,614 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Los Angeles median of $80,450 sits 22.98% above the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Los Angeles | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $80,450 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,808 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $113,691 | $92,870 |
In Los Angeles, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 41.32% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Los Angeles
Advanced Certifications in California
CA athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $80,450 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Los Angeles employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Los Angeles command premium compensation, often reaching the $97,808–$113,691 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Los Angeles metro area, which is a large AT, ATC employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced athletic trainers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured athletic trainers in Los Angeles with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Athletic Trainers in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Athletic Trainer Career & Wage Growth Path in Los Angeles
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLos Angeles ranks #108 of 156 California cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $113,691).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Los Angeles ($113,691) is 3.07% below the California average P90 ($117,293).
2019 BLS Actual
$82,090
2025 BLS Actual
$108,660
2026 Current Est.
$113,691
2019–2027 Growth
+44.9%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,460 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,691 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $118,955 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Los Angeles saw their compensation grow 32.4% from $82,090 in 2019 to $108,660 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $118,955 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Angeles 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.
Maximizing Your Athletic Trainer Earnings in Los Angeles
Compensation for senior athletic trainers in Los Angeles varies notably based on specialization and employer type. Positions in professional sports organizations, NCAA Division I institutions, and performing arts medicine typically command the highest premiums, reflecting these sectors’ competitive nature. Experience in occupational health settings, such as with companies like Toyota and FedEx, often leads to compensation that is 30-50% higher than that offered in typical high school athletic training roles. To elevate their earning potential, seasoned trainers should consider leadership positions such as head athletic trainer at educational institutions or industry consultant roles, complemented by advanced qualifications like a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and special certifications (e.g., CSCS, OCS-AT). Other compensation factors also come into play, including the nature of employment contracts and possible stipends for event coverage, which often enhance overall earnings beyond base salaries in this vibrant market.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Los Angeles in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Los Angeles?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Los Angeles?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Los Angeles?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Los Angeles?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $108,660 for athletic trainers in the Los Angeles metro area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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