Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in San Francisco, CA: $39.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in San Francisco, CA runs $39.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,444 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against San Francisco's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.6, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,862 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer hourly pay in San Francisco stands at a robust $39.15, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $31.45. This higher rate reflects the city’s unique cost of living and demand for high-quality care in various environments, from high school athletic training rooms to professional sports facilities and outpatient clinics. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a comfortable living, allowing them to earn a competitive wage through per-diem opportunities as well. The hourly pay for athletic trainers in San Francisco ranges from $25.64 at the lower end (P10) to $62.77 at the upper echelons (P90), showcasing the potential for growth as professionals gain experience and specialized skills in settings such as military bases and industrial clinics.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.64 | $205.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.84 | $278.73 |
| Median (P50) | $39.15 | $313.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.78 | $398.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.77 | $502.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Francisco
Based on $39.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.15/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Francisco, CA can expect to earn approximately $81,437 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,983. With a cost-of-living index of 115.61 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Francisco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Francisco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,566.10 | $6,786 | $81,437 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $939.66 | $4,072 | $48,862 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $626.44 | $2,715 | $32,575 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (San Francisco) | $39.15 |
| 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 San Francisco, CA earn a median of $81,444 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.50% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.30% above the California state average of $81,200.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.15/hr = $48,862/year (purchasing power: $42,264).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,437/year (purchasing power: $70,440).
CoL index: 115.613 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in San Francisco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in San Francisco grew 30.3% from $28.72/hr (2019) to $37.42/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.97/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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco
Examining the part-time earning potential further highlights the financial prospects in San Francisco. Athletic trainers who work a 24-hour week can expect to take home around $61,100 annually, which is a competitive option compared to full-time roles. Per diem athletic trainer pay in San Francisco can vary widely, with coverage for events typically ranging from $200 to $500 per game. Industrial settings, such as those with Toyota or FedEx, might offer rates between $50 and $80 per hour, which often outweighs traditional school-based positions. While some professionals might earn lower hourly rates in environments with additional benefits such as health insurance, others may prefer higher pay without benefits, particularly in the competitive marketplace. Understanding these nuances is essential for athletic trainers navigating their career paths in CA; negotiating terms can also hinge on particular employer types and expected duties, defining the financial and professional decisions taken in this vibrant city.
More salary data for San Francisco, 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 San Francisco. 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