Athletic Trainer Salary in Brea, CA: $77,014 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Brea, CA earns a median $77,014/year (≈ $37.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Brea's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $68,094 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated annual compensation for athletic trainers in Brea, California, stands at $77,014, reflecting a robust 17.73% increase over the national median of $65,415. Salary ranges for this profession in Brea vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $61,789 and more experienced trainers earning up to $107,318. These local estimates are drawn from BLS state-level data combined with regional cost adjustments, highlighting the favorable earning potential in this area. Many athletic trainers in Brea find themselves at a crossroads regarding employment settings, often weighing the advantages of school-year contracts against year-round positions in industrial environments where salaries tend to be more lucrative.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,789 | $29.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,874 | $33.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,014 | $37.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,820 | $44.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,318 | $51.59 |
Median Salary Position
17.73% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brea
In Brea, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,529 (2026 est.). At $77,014, the local median is 17.73% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brea Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Brea median: $77,014/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,153 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +17.73% more |
Athletic Trainers in Brea, CA earn a median of $77,014 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.73% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 5.10% below the California state average of $81,153.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brea has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brea, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,014 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,094 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,029
2025 BLS Actual
$73,606
2026 Current Est.
$77,014
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,029 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,701 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,006 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,387 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,202 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,261 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,606 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,014 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,580 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brea metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $57,029 (2019) to $73,606 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,580 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,551 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brea 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $61,789 – $68,874 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,874 – $77,014 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,014 – $91,820 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,820 – $107,318 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Brea
The local job market for athletic trainers in Brea features a modest count of just ten professionals currently employed, illustrating both a niche field and potential growth opportunities. The cost-of-living index sits at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are competitive, higher living expenses impact overall purchasing power. Among the various employment sectors, industrial and occupational health settings, such as Toyota and FedEx, often offer salaries on the high end due to the need for year-round support, contrasting sharply with high school athletic trainers who may earn less. Factors influencing salary discrepancies include the type of employment setting and responsibilities, such as head positions versus assistant roles, along with possible stipends for events outside standard working hours. To maximize earnings in this specific market, athletic trainers should pursue additional certifications and consider positions in higher-paying industries, ensuring they stay competitive in an evolving landscape that increasingly values advanced training and diverse skill sets.
More salary data for Brea, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $73,606 for athletic trainersin the Brea metropolitan area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brea 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