Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Lake Forest, CA: $38.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest'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 Lake Forest, CA, the 2026 median hourly pay for athletic trainers is projected at $38.32, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $31.45. This higher rate of pay indicates a robust market for athletic trainers in various settings, including high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, military bases, and outpatient clinics. Hourly rates can vary substantially, with entry-level positions earning around $30.53, while top earners can make up to $54.78. For part-time or per-diem workers, such as those covering events or filling in at clinics, this hourly pay provides flexibility and potential for substantial income, allowing a three-day workweek to yield a solid income, given Lake Forest’s cost of living index of 113.1—a point to consider for those looking to balance professional work with personal commitments.
About the Lake Forest 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) | $33.53 | $268.27 |
| 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 Lake Forest
Based on $38.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.32/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Forest
| 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 (Lake Forest) | $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 Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest (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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, the earning potential is notably different compared to full-time roles. Annual pay derived from a 24-hour week can still total a reasonable income, albeit below that of full-time counterparts. Per diem roles, in particular, can offer lucrative opportunities; coverage for games typically pays between $200 and $500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers may see rates of $50 to $80 per hour—often significantly higher than school-based positions. In Lake Forest, hourly compensation varies by employer type, with industrial or occupational health roles frequently commanding higher rates compared to high school athletic training. The trade-off between hourly rate and benefits also influences many trainers’ decisions; some may opt for lower pay that includes health insurance over higher pay without such benefits. For those negotiating pay in Lake Forest, it’s vital to highlight specialized skills or certifications, especially given the competitive nature of the market post-master’s degree transition for entry into the field.
More salary data for Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest 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