Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Fresno, CA: $37.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Fresno, CA runs $37.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,106 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Fresno's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.2, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,865 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Fresno, California, the athletic trainer hourly pay sits at a robust $37.55, significantly higher than the national median hourly wage of $31.45. This hourly rate presents an attractive option for those considering part-time roles or per-diem positions commonly found in high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional team environments. For athletic trainers working three days a week, this pay translates into a stable income that reflects their expertise within varied settings such as military bases, industrial clinics, and outpatient facilities. The pay range in Fresno extends from $27.17 for entry-level positions to $45.86 for experienced professionals, as indicated by official BLS data that provides an up-to-date perspective on the financial landscape for athletic trainers in the region.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.17 | $217.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.96 | $239.64 |
| Median (P50) | $37.55 | $300.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.79 | $334.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.86 | $366.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fresno
Based on $37.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.55/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fresno, CA can expect to earn approximately $78,108 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,062. With a cost-of-living index of 102.16 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fresno.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fresno
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,502.07 | $6,509 | $78,108 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $901.24 | $3,905 | $46,865 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $600.83 | $2,604 | $31,243 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Fresno) | $37.55 |
| 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 Fresno, CA earn a median of $78,106 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.40% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.80% below the California state average of $81,192.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.55/hr = $46,865/year (purchasing power: $45,875).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,108/year (purchasing power: $76,458).
CoL index: 102.158 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Fresno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Fresno grew 35.7% from $26.45/hr (2019) to $35.89/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.29/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 Fresno 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 Fresno
Considering part-time opportunities, an athletic trainer working 24 hours a week at the prevailing hourly rate might earn around $46,953 annually, contrasting sharply with a full-time counterpart's earnings. For per-diem athletic trainers, pay can vary widely; game coverage typically brings in $200-$500 per event while industrial athletic trainers at large facilities often bill $50-$80 per hour. The unique pay structure across different employer types in Fresno shows significant variation; for instance, high school settings typically offer lower compensation compared to NCAA institutions or professional sports teams. Some trainers might opt for lower pay in educational settings due to the benefits that come with full-time employment, whereas others chase higher hourly wages in temporary roles without benefits. When negotiating salaries, understanding the specific market rates in Fresno and projecting future growth, anticipated to be 4.63%, can provide tactical advantages to athletic trainers seeking to maximize their earnings and professional satisfaction.
More salary data for Fresno, 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 Fresno. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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