Athletic Trainer Salary in Orange, CA: $79,960 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Orange, CA earns a median $79,960/year (≈ $38.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Orange's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $70,698 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Orange, California are projected to earn a median annual salary of $79,960, significantly higher than the national median of $65,415 for the same year. This profession boasts a salary range from $60,738 at the lower 10th percentile to $113,944 at the upper 90th percentile. These figures come from estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities, reflecting both the local hiring conditions and the higher cost of living, indexed at 113.1. Athletic trainers in Orange have the unique opportunity to balance their roles between school-year contracts typically offered by educational institutions and year-round industrial settings, which often provide more consistent employment and higher compensation.
About the Orange Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,738 | $29.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,735 | $32.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,960 | $38.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,658 | $45.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,944 | $54.78 |
Median Salary Position
22.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Orange
In Orange, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,206 (2026 est.). At $79,960, the local median is 22.23% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Orange: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Orange Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Orange median: $79,960/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Orange Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,178 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +22.23% more |
Athletic Trainers in Orange, CA earn a median of $79,960 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.23% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.50% below the California state average of $81,178.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Orange has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Orange, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,960 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,698 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,211
2025 BLS Actual
$76,422
2026 Current Est.
$79,960
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,211 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,947 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,187 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,812 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,811 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,216 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,422 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,960 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,663 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Orange metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $59,211 (2019) to $76,422 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,663 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,452 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orange 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) | $60,738 – $67,735 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,735 – $79,960 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,960 – $95,658 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,658 – $113,944 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Orange
With 21 athletic trainers currently employed in Orange, the local market shows a stable demand for professionals in this field. However, the cost of living, which outpaces the national average, impacts take-home purchasing power significantly. Notably, employers such as local colleges and universities often provide competitive pay compared to high school athletic training positions. The disparity in salaries is influenced by various factors, including the setting of employment—professional sports often yields higher wages relative to industrial or educational roles—along with contract types and added responsibilities. To maximize earning potential in Orange, athletic trainers should consider certification enhancements, such as obtaining specialized credentials from the BOC, and actively seek out positions that offer stipends for evening or weekend events. These strategies can be crucial in navigating the competitive landscape of athletic trainer pay in Orange, CA.
More salary data for Orange, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Orange, CA in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Orange?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Orange?
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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 $76,422 for athletic trainersin the Orange 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 Orange 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