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Athletic Trainers

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed

Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $62,520/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$48,180$88,760

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +11.1% projected growth, 20242034 — much faster than average.

About 2,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingMonitoringSpeakingJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionSocial PerceptivenessActive LearningInstructingService Orientation
Top knowledge areas
Medicine and DentistryCustomer and Personal ServicePsychologyTherapy and CounselingEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityAdministrative
Core tasks

Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.

Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.

Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.

Evaluate athletes' readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.

Perform general administrative tasks, such as keeping records or writing reports.

Clean and sanitize athletic training rooms.

Instruct coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel, or community members in the care and prevention of athletic injuries.

Apply protective or injury preventive devices, such as tape, bandages, or braces, to body parts, such as ankles, fingers, or wrists.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Athletic Trainers?

The median pay for Athletic Trainers is $62,520 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Athletic Trainers?

Employment for Athletic Trainers is projected to change +11.1% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.

What education is typically required for Athletic Trainers?

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Athletic Trainers?

About 2,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.