Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.
Is athletic trainers a good career?
It scores 27/100 and ranks #166 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($62,520)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+11.1% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a master's degree
What athletic trainers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. athletic trainers earn between $55,130 and $74,630 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live athletic trainers jobs
No live athletic trainers openings yet
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- Typical education
- Master's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
To enter the occupation, athletic trainers typically need a master’s degree from an accredited program.
Admission into athletic trainer master’s programs generally requires a bachelor's degree with completion of coursework in science and health. Master's degree programs have classroom and clinical components and include instruction in areas such as injury prevention, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition.
High school students interested in postsecondary athletic training programs should take courses in anatomy, physiology, and physics.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Nearly all states require athletic trainers to be licensed or certified; requirements vary by state. For specific requirements,
Certification typically requires graduating from an accredited program and passing a qualifying exam. To maintain certification, athletic trainers must take continuing education courses.
Advancement
Assistant athletic trainers may become head athletic trainers, athletic directors, or physician, hospital, or clinic practice administrators. In any of these positions, they will assume a management role. Athletic trainers working in colleges and universities may pursue an advanced degree to increase their advancement opportunities.
Important qualities
Compassion. Athletic trainers work with athletes and patients who may be in considerable pain or discomfort. The trainers must be sympathetic while providing treatments.
Decision-making skills. Athletic trainers must make informed clinical decisions that could affect the health or livelihood of patients.
Detail oriented. Athletic trainers must record patients’ progress accurately and ensure that they are receiving the appropriate treatments or practicing the correct fitness regimen.
Interpersonal skills. Athletic trainers must have strong interpersonal skills in order to manage difficult situations. They must communicate well with others, including physicians, patients, athletes, coaches, and parents.
Related occupations
How much do athletic trainers make?
The national median wage is $62,520 a year, with the middle half earning between $55,130 and $74,630 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is athletic trainers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 27 of 100 and ranks #166 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +11.1% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a athletic trainer?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree.
Where do athletic trainers earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($78,490). Local pay for every state and metro is below.