Athletic Trainer Salary in Irvine, CA: $84,320 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Irvine, CA earns a median $84,320/year (≈ $40.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Irvine's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,553 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Irvine, California, the athletic trainer salary landscape reflects a competitive market that leans toward school-year contracts versus year-round industrial roles. Projected for 2026, the median annual salary stands at $84,320, significantly higher than the national median of $65,415, indicating a robust local demand. Salaries range from $63,689 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $126,170 at the 90th percentile. This disparity highlights the diversity within the profession, shaped by various job settings and responsibilities. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations suggest that athletic trainers in Irvine can expect competitive compensation, particularly in roles that extend beyond traditional school settings.
About the Irvine Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,689 | $30.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,584 | $35.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,320 | $40.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,689 | $50.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,170 | $60.65 |
Median Salary Position
28.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Irvine
In Irvine, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,481 (2026 est.). At $84,320, the local median is 28.9% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Irvine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Irvine Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Irvine median: $84,320/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Irvine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,155 | +3.90% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +28.90% more |
Athletic Trainers in Irvine, CA earn a median of $84,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.90% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.90% above the California state average of $81,155.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Irvine has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Irvine, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,320 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,553 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,440
2025 BLS Actual
$80,589
2026 Current Est.
$84,320
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,440 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,414 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,672 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,590 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,589 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,320 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,224 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Irvine metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $62,440 (2019) to $80,589 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,224 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,784 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Irvine 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) | $63,689 – $73,584 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,584 – $84,320 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,320 – $105,689 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,689 – $126,170 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Irvine
Irvine has a workforce of 72 athletic trainers, creating a concentrated job market in this region. However, the cost of living is notably higher than the national average, reflected in a cost of living index of 113.1. This elevated index necessitates strategic financial planning for trainers to maximize their take-home purchasing power. Employers across different sectors vary in compensation, with professional sports teams often topping the pay scales, while college and high school athletic positions typically offer less. The gap in earnings can be attributed to factors such as the nature of employment contracts—year-round positions generally provide better pay compared to seasonal roles. Additionally, trainers can enhance their salaries by pursuing additional certifications, taking on head athletic trainer responsibilities, or securing stipends for evening and weekend events. Understanding these dynamics is key for those entering the field, especially in determining how much do athletic trainers make in Irvine compared to their peers across the state.
More salary data for Irvine, 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 $80,589 for athletic trainersin the Irvine 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 Irvine 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