Athletic trainers
SOC Code: 29-9091Also known as:
Athletic Instructor, Athletic Lecturer, Athletic Trainer, Certified Athletic Trainer, Clinical Athletic Instructor
Median Annual Salary
$60,250
+11.1% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
34K
Current Jobs
What Athletic trainers Do
Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.
💰 Salary
$60,250
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+11.1%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Master's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
33,900
Projected Employment (2034)
37,600
Related Careers
Recreational therapists
$60,280 •
+3.3% growth
Exercise physiologists
$58,160 •
+9.5% growth
Physicians, all other
N/A •
+2.5% growth
Physical therapist assistants
$65,510 •
+22.0% growth
Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors
$46,180 •
+11.9% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Collaborate with physicians to develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs for athletic injuries.
- Travel with athletic teams to be available at sporting events.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Master's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Master's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Athletic trainers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a athletic trainers:
Athletic Training/Trainer
3,132 degrees awarded •
309 colleges offer this program
Physical Fitness Technician
1,308 degrees awarded •
122 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Athletic trainers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become athletic trainers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make?
The median annual salary for athletic trainers is $60,250.
What education do athletic trainers need?
Most athletic trainers positions require a master's degree.
Common degree programs include Athletic Training/Trainer, Physical Fitness Technician.
Is becoming athletic trainers a good career choice?
Athletic trainers is projected to see +11.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 2,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for athletic trainers?
Top colleges for aspiring athletic trainers include
University of Virginia-Main Campus, Florida State University, Ohio State University-Main Campus, Florida International University, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to athletic trainers?
Athletic trainers may also be known as: Athletic Instructor, Athletic Lecturer, Athletic Trainer, Certified Athletic Trainer, Clinical Athletic Instructor, Clinical Athletic Trainer, Fitness Specialist, Licensed Athletic Trainer, On-Site Industrial Athletic Trainer, Outreach Athletic Trainer, Personal Trainer, Physical Trainer, Resident Athletic Trainer, Sports Athletic Trainer, Sports Medicine Trainer, Sports Trainer, Women's Athletic Trainer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.