Athletic Trainer Salary in Ontario, CA: $84,780 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Ontario, CA earns a median $84,780/year (≈ $40.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Ontario's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,960 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, athletes and sports enthusiasts in Ontario, California can expect the median annual salary for athletic trainers to reach $84,780, reflecting a significant increase in compensation due to the transition in educational requirements that mandated a master's degree for entry into the profession in 2022. Salary ranges can vary widely, with entry-level positions starting around $62,824 and experienced trainers earning up to $121,918. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for local cost factors, highlight a robust earning potential for athletic trainers in Ontario. As the job market evolves, the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, particularly in a city that balances athletic needs across various settings, including sports teams and educational institutions.
About the Ontario Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,824 | $30.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,463 | $34.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,780 | $40.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,081 | $49.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,918 | $58.61 |
Median Salary Position
29.60% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ontario
In Ontario, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,094 (2026 est.). At $84,780, the local median is 29.6% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ontario: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ontario Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Ontario median: $84,780/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ontario Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,207 | +4.40% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +29.60% more |
Athletic Trainers in Ontario, CA earn a median of $84,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.60% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 4.40% above the California state average of $81,207.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ontario has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ontario, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,780 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,960 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,780
2025 BLS Actual
$81,028
2026 Current Est.
$84,780
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Ontario (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,754 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,778 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,079 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,355 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,028 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,780 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,705 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ontario metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $62,780 (2019) to $81,028 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,705 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,925 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ontario 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) | $62,824 – $72,463 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,463 – $84,780 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,780 – $102,081 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,081 – $121,918 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Ontario
Examining the job market for athletic trainers in Ontario, it's clear that there are currently 42 professionals employed in the area, indicating a healthy demand for specialized roles. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, slightly above the national average, which impacts take-home purchasing power. Among employers in Ontario, those in professional sports settings typically offer the highest salaries, followed by colleges and universities, while secondary schools tend to provide less competitive pay. Factors influencing salary variation include the type of workplace—occupational health settings often pay significantly more than traditional sports roles—as well as the level of expertise, with head athletic trainers generally commanding higher salaries than assistants. For those aiming to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Ontario, pursuing certifications like the CSCS or OCS-AT, seeking year-round contracts, and taking on additional responsibilities during evening or weekend events can be effective strategies to enhance compensation.
More salary data for Ontario, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Ontario, CA in 2026?
Is Ontario, CA a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Ontario?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Ontario?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Ontario?
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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 $81,028 for athletic trainersin the Ontario 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 Ontario 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