Athletic Trainer Salary in Buena Park, CA: $82,203 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Buena Park, CA earns a median $82,203/year (≈ $39.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Buena Park's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,682 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Buena Park, California, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $82,203 in 2026, reflecting a significant premium over the national average of $65,415. Salaries range widely from $63,374 at the low end (10th percentile) to $114,447 for those at the upper echelons (90th percentile). These figures are informed by estimates from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price differentials. The job market is influenced by the choice between school-year contracts typical of high school athletic training positions and year-round roles within industrial settings, which often lead to higher compensation. This dynamic creates a competitive environment for athletic trainers in Buena Park.
About the Buena Park Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,374 | $30.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,890 | $34.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,203 | $39.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,134 | $46.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,447 | $55.02 |
Median Salary Position
25.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buena Park
In Buena Park, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,073 (2026 est.). At $82,203, the local median is 25.66% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buena Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buena Park Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Buena Park median: $82,203/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buena Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,148 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +25.66% more |
Athletic Trainers in Buena Park, CA earn a median of $82,203 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.66% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.30% above the California state average of $81,148.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buena Park has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buena Park, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,203 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,682 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,872
2025 BLS Actual
$78,565
2026 Current Est.
$82,203
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Buena Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,872 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,656 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,846 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,657 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,797 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,465 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,565 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,203 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,009 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buena Park metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $60,872 (2019) to $78,565 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,009 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,137 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buena Park 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) | $63,374 – $71,890 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,890 – $82,203 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,203 – $97,134 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,134 – $114,447 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Buena Park
Looking at the local employment landscape, Buena Park has around 20 athletic trainers employed in various capacities, indicating a relatively stable job market. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, which is higher than the national average, thereby impacting the purchasing power of athletic trainers in the area. Among employers, those in professional sports and industrial health settings like Toyota and Boeing typically offer higher salaries compared to secondary schools or outpatient clinics. The significant variance in pay can be attributed to factors such as the setting (with professional sports often commanding the highest wages), the difference between head versus assistant roles, and additional stipends for evening and weekend events. Athletic trainers can maximize their earnings by pursuing advanced certifications (like CSCS or OCS-AT), gaining experience in high-demand specialty areas, and considering opportunities that extend beyond traditional athletic training roles in schools.
More salary data for Buena Park, 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 $78,565 for athletic trainersin the Buena Park 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 Buena Park 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