Athletic Trainer Salary in Costa Mesa, CA: $81,560 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Costa Mesa, CA earns a median $81,560/year (≈ $39.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Costa Mesa's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,113 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Costa Mesa, California, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $81,560, significantly above the national median of $65,415. This competitive figure reflects the unique landscape of athletic training in the area, where industrial settings often command higher salaries compared to traditional roles in sports. The salary range for athletic trainers in Costa Mesa varies widely, from $62,117 at the 10th percentile to $119,472 at the 90th percentile. These figures are projections derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, illustrating a strong local job market for this profession. As the field shifts towards requiring a master's degree, the potential for growth in compensation aligns with increasing certification demands and varied employment settings.
About the Costa Mesa Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,117 | $29.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,982 | $34.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,560 | $39.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,501 | $47.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,472 | $57.44 |
Median Salary Position
24.68% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Costa Mesa
In Costa Mesa, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,355 (2026 est.). At $81,560, the local median is 24.68% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Costa Mesa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Costa Mesa Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Costa Mesa median: $81,560/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Costa Mesa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,154 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +24.68% more |
Athletic Trainers in Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $81,560 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.68% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.50% above the California state average of $81,154.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Costa Mesa has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Costa Mesa, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,560 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,113 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,396
2025 BLS Actual
$77,951
2026 Current Est.
$81,560
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,396 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,166 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,371 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,129 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,228 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,822 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,951 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,560 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,336 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Costa Mesa metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $60,396 (2019) to $77,951 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,336 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,940 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Costa Mesa 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) | $62,117 – $70,982 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,982 – $81,560 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,560 – $99,501 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,501 – $119,472 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Costa Mesa
With 23 athletic trainers currently employed in the Costa Mesa area, the job market demonstrates a solid demand for qualified professionals. However, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power for take-home pay may be constrained compared to other regions. Among the various employer sectors, professional sports organizations typically offered the highest salaries, followed by industrial health roles, which can pay significantly more than athletic training positions in secondary schools or colleges. The disparity in pay often stems from the nature of the work, with professional and industrial roles providing year-round contracts compared to more seasonal responsibilities in educational institutions. Athletic trainers seeking to maximize their pay in Costa Mesa could benefit from pursuing additional certifications, such as the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS-AT), while targeting industries with higher compensation structures.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, 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 $77,951 for athletic trainersin the Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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