Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Chula Vista, CA: $37.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Chula Vista, CA runs $37.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,276 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Chula Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,368 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chula Vista, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to reach $37.15 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $31.45 per hour. This favorable hourly rate can benefit part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, allowing them to maintain a healthy work-life balance while still earning a competitive income in settings such as high schools, colleges, and professional sports teams. On an hourly basis, entry-level positions may start at around $25.91, while experienced trainers can earn up to $54.04, reflecting a broad salary range that reflects both expertise and employer type. Athletic trainers in Chula Vista find opportunities across various environments, including industrial workplaces and outpatient clinics, making this a versatile career path within the healthcare and sports industries.
About the Chula Vista Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.91 | $207.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.94 | $263.50 |
| Median (P50) | $37.15 | $297.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.82 | $358.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.04 | $432.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chula Vista
Based on $37.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.15/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chula Vista, CA can expect to earn approximately $77,281 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,585. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chula Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chula Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,486.16 | $6,440 | $77,281 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $891.70 | $3,864 | $46,368 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $594.47 | $2,576 | $30,912 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Chula Vista) | $37.15 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Athletic Trainers in Chula Vista, CA earn a median of $77,276 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.13% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 4.80% below the California state average of $81,172.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.15/hr = $46,368/year (purchasing power: $40,998).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,281/year (purchasing power: $68,329).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Chula Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Chula Vista grew 29.1% from $27.51/hr (2019) to $35.51/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.87/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chula Vista 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.
Working as an Hourly Athletic Trainer in Chula Vista
Focusing on part-time work, an athletic trainer in Chula Vista who works 24 hours per week could expect to earn approximately $46,608 annually. In contrast, full-time trainers can see earnings upwards of $77,276, considerably more than their part-time counterparts. Per diem and contract work in athletic training can present varying financial outcomes; for instance, event coverage may yield between $200-$500 per game, while industrial settings see contractors earning about $50-$80 hourly. Hourly rates differ based on employment type, with high school trainers often seeing lower pay compared to NCAA positions or roles with professional teams. Some athletic trainers might choose positions with lower hourly rates that offer valuable health insurance benefits, which can provide stability. For those negotiating their hourly pay in the Chula Vista area, understanding the local market and emphasizing experience can help secure better terms.
More salary data for Chula Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for athletic trainers in Chula Vista. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chula Vista is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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