Athletic Trainer Salary in Huntington Beach, CA: $81,456 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Huntington Beach, CA earns a median $81,456/year (≈ $39.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Huntington Beach's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,021 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer salary in Huntington Beach is projected to reach $81,456 annually, distinctly higher than the national median of $65,415. With salaries ranging from $64,122 at the lower end to $121,924 at the upper echelon, this city offers a competitive pay scale that reflects the increased requirements for licensure since the 2022 master's transition. These figures stem from local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, indicating a robust demand for skilled professionals. Given the area's thriving sports culture and dedication to athlete wellness, the job market for athletic trainers in Huntington Beach continues to expand, maintaining a favorable outlook for new entrants into the field.
About the Huntington Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,122 | $30.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,533 | $34.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,456 | $39.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,175 | $46.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,924 | $58.61 |
Median Salary Position
24.52% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Huntington Beach
In Huntington Beach, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,802 (2026 est.). At $81,456, the local median is 24.52% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Huntington Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Huntington Beach Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Huntington Beach median: $81,456/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Huntington Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,212 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +24.52% more |
Athletic Trainers in Huntington Beach, CA earn a median of $81,456 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.52% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.30% above the California state average of $81,212.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Huntington Beach has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Huntington Beach, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,456 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,021 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,318
2025 BLS Actual
$77,851
2026 Current Est.
$81,456
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Huntington Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,318 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,087 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,293 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,043 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,135 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,717 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,851 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,456 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,227 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Huntington Beach metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $60,318 (2019) to $77,851 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,227 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,909 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huntington Beach 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) | $64,122 – $72,533 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,533 – $81,456 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,456 – $96,175 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,175 – $121,924 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach has approximately 50 athletic trainers currently employed, indicating a solid job market for this profession. However, the cost-of-living index currently sits at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries may be above the national average, the take-home purchasing power may be impacted by higher living expenses. Employers in the area vary significantly in what they pay, with professional sports teams generally offering the highest compensation, followed by colleges and universities. Factors influencing the disparity in salaries include the job setting, such as professional versus high school athletics, the type of contract, and advanced certifications such as the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Those seeking to maximize their pay should consider pursuing roles with professional teams or in industrial health settings, taking advantage of year-round positions and expanding their credentials to increase their marketability.
More salary data for Huntington Beach, 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 $77,851 for athletic trainersin the Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach 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