Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Downey, CA: $39.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Downey, CA runs $39.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,190 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Downey's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,319 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downey, California, athletic trainers are looking at a robust median hourly pay of $39.52, significantly higher than the national median of $31.45. This premium reflects the cost of living in the region as well as the advanced educational requirements established by NATA, which now necessitate a master's degree as of 2022. For those working part-time, such as in high school training rooms or college athletic facilities for three days a week, this rate can translate to meaningful earnings. Their income can range from $28.44 at the entry-level tier to as much as $58.50 for seasoned professionals. These hourly figures, while derived from estimates based on projected annual salaries, highlight the potential for athletic trainers in various settings, including professional sports teams and industrial health clinics in Downey.
About the Downey 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) | $28.44 | $227.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.75 | $277.98 |
| Median (P50) | $39.52 | $316.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.58 | $388.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.50 | $467.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downey
Based on $39.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.52/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downey, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,199 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,423. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Downey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,580.75 | $6,850 | $82,199 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $948.45 | $4,110 | $49,319 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $632.30 | $2,740 | $32,880 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Downey) | $39.52 |
| 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 Downey, CA earn a median of $82,190 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.64% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.30% above the California state average of $81,135.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.52/hr = $49,319/year (purchasing power: $43,607).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,199/year (purchasing power: $72,678).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Downey grew 29.1% from $29.26/hr (2019) to $37.77/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.35/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 Downey 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 Downey
Exploring the financial landscape for athletic trainers further reveals the nuances of earning potential in Downey. A part-time athletic trainer working 24 hours a week—as seen in standard practices—would net approximately $49,520 annually, contrasting markedly with full-time counterparts who earn significantly more. For those considering per diem or agency roles, event coverage can pay between $200 to $500 per day while industrial settings often yield $50 to $80 hourly. Hourly rates may vary quite a bit across employer types like secondary schools and professional sports franchises, typically reflecting the benefits associated with full-time positions. Some trainers opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and retirement plans, trading off immediate pay for long-term stability. When negotiating hourly pay, it's prudent to consider the benefits package offered and to research industry standards within the Downey area for similar roles, ensuring a well-rounded decision is made.
More salary data for Downey, 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 Downey. 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 Downey 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