Athletic Trainer Salary in Gilroy, CA: $81,205 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Gilroy, CA earns a median $81,205/year (≈ $39.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Gilroy's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $71,799 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Gilroy, California, can expect a median annual salary of $81,205, significantly higher than the national average of $65,415, reflecting a robust local market for this profession. The salary range for athletic trainers spans from $60,994 at the 10th percentile to $119,166 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse pay scale that depends heavily on experience and setting. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and take into account local cost adjustments. Notably, the distinct industrial versus traditional sports environments in Gilroy may create a wider pay gap than in other regions, as industrial roles typically command higher salaries compared to positions in secondary schools and colleges.
About the Gilroy Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,994 | $29.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,810 | $33.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,205 | $39.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,748 | $45.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,166 | $57.30 |
Median Salary Position
24.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gilroy
In Gilroy, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,172 (2026 est.). At $81,205, the local median is 24.14% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gilroy: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gilroy Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Gilroy median: $81,205/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gilroy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $65,415 | +24.14% more |
Athletic Trainers in Gilroy, CA earn a median of $81,205 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.14% higher than the national median of $65,415.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gilroy has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gilroy, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,205 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,799 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$60,133
2025 BLS Actual
$77,612
2026 Current Est.
$81,205
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Gilroy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,133 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,896 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,108 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,837 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,914 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,466 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,612 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,205 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,965 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gilroy metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $60,133 (2019) to $77,612 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,965 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,832 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gilroy 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) | $60,994 – $69,810 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,810 – $81,205 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,205 – $94,748 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,748 – $119,166 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Gilroy
Currently, there are only 10 athletic trainers employed in Gilroy, a number that underscores both a niche job market and the potential for individual job security. The cost of living in the area, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, is above the national average, which can affect take-home pay and purchasing power. Employers such as Toyota and FedEx offer competitive salaries that exceed those available in high school or university settings, where athletic trainers often work under tighter budgets. Income variation largely stems from the type of employment, with private sector positions typically providing higher remuneration than educational institutes. To maximize earning potential in Gilroy, professionals should consider obtaining additional certifications and aiming for roles in industrial health, as these positions yield significant financial benefits compared to traditional sports settings or secondary education roles.
More salary data for Gilroy, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Gilroy, CA in 2026?
Is Gilroy, CA a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Gilroy?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Gilroy?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Gilroy?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $77,612 for athletic trainersin the Gilroy 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 Gilroy 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