Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Indio, CA: $38.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Indio, CA runs $38.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,695 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Indio's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,818 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Indio, California, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $38.32, which notably exceeds the national average of $31.45. This hourly wage reflects the significant demand for skilled trainers in diverse settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, professional sports team environments, and industrial workplaces. For part-time athletic trainers working roughly three days a week, the pay can add up, but it requires balancing the flexibility of fewer hours against lower overall earnings. Per-diem roles, covering events or providing on-site support, offer an engaging option for those who prefer variable schedules, allowing trainers the opportunity to earn anywhere from $30.53 to $54.78 per hour, contingent upon experience and employer. The spectrum from entry-level positions to highly experienced trainers creates a range from $30.53 on the lower end to $54.78 on the higher end, drawing healthcare professionals seeking unique opportunities in the athletic training field.
About the Indio 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) | $30.53 | $244.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.37 | $274.97 |
| Median (P50) | $38.32 | $306.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.14 | $369.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.78 | $438.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Indio
Based on $38.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.32/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Indio, CA can expect to earn approximately $79,696 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,979. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Indio.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Indio
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,532.62 | $6,641 | $79,696 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $919.57 | $3,985 | $47,818 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $613.05 | $2,657 | $31,879 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Indio) | $38.32 |
| 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 Indio, CA earn a median of $79,695 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.83% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.80% below the California state average of $81,155.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.32/hr = $47,818/year (purchasing power: $42,279).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,696/year (purchasing power: $70,465).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Indio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Indio grew 29.1% from $28.37/hr (2019) to $36.62/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.09/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 Indio 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 Indio
Among those considering part-time work, an athletic trainer with a schedule of three days a week, for approximately 24 hours, would earn about $46,276 annually, a figure that often falls below the full-time counterparts who can rely on benefits and consistent income. Particularly for per-diem athletic trainers in Indio, game coverage can yield earnings ranging from $200 to $500 per event, creating an appealing, albeit unpredictable, income stream. In contrast, those working in industrial settings, such as Toyota or FedEx, can charge anywhere from $50 to $80 per hour, reflecting an increasing trend in occupational health roles that often provide higher pay. The various employment types across Indio, running from high schools to military bases and outpatient clinics, lead to differing hourly rates, where job security and additional benefits may weigh heavily in negotiations. For those negotiating their rate, it's advisable to consider the trade-off between a higher hourly pay without benefits versus a slightly lower rate that includes health coverage, a crucial factor in the career trajectory represented by organizations like the NATA and certification bodies such as the BOC.
More salary data for Indio, 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 Indio. 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 Indio 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