How to become athletic trainerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$62,520
25th–75th pct. $55,130–$74,630
Top pay (est.)
$115,400
Top 10% $88,760
Pay in 5 years
$74,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$88,200est.
$75,800–$102,400
Outlook score
70/100
★★★★☆ Good
AI replacement risk
25%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+12.7%
2,400 openings / yr
How to become athletic trainers
Typical education
Master's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Athletic Trainers
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Assisting and Caring for OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsDocumenting/Recording InformationThinking CreativelyCoaching and Developing Others
Important abilities
Problem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten Expression
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as athletic trainers
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.