Athletic Trainer Salary in South Gate, CA: $79,958 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in South Gate, CA earns a median $79,958/year (≈ $38.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in South Gate's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $70,697 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 South Gate, California are projected to earn a median annual salary of $79,958, which is significantly higher than the national median of $65,415, reflecting a local market that favors increased compensation. Salaries for athletic trainers in the area range from $64,141 at the 10th percentile to $114,854 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse job market with varied opportunities. These estimates, derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, highlight the financial potential for athletic trainers in South Gate, a city where the job market includes both educational institutions and industrial settings. With a growing demand for certified professionals, especially following the 2022 shift to a master's requirement for entry-level practice, the prospects for those entering or currently working in the field seem promising.
About the South Gate Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,141 | $30.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,296 | $33.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,958 | $38.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,602 | $46.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,854 | $55.22 |
Median Salary Position
22.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Gate
In South Gate, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,713 (2026 est.). At $79,958, the local median is 22.23% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Gate: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Gate Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
South Gate median: $79,958/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Gate Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,176 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +22.23% more |
Athletic Trainers in South Gate, CA earn a median of $79,958 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 $81,176.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Gate has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Gate, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,958 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,697 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,210
2025 BLS Actual
$76,420
2026 Current Est.
$79,958
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in South Gate (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,210 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,945 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,185 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,215 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,958 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,660 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Gate metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $59,210 (2019) to $76,420 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,660 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,450 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Gate 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) | $64,141 – $70,296 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,296 – $79,958 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,958 – $96,602 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,602 – $114,854 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in South Gate
Despite having only 25 athletic trainers currently employed in South Gate, the local job market offers noteworthy potential for competitive pay. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, professionals here may find their take-home earnings slightly impacted, emphasizing the need for strategic career moves. Notably, athletic trainers working in industrial or occupational health settings, such as with companies like Toyota and Boeing, can expect higher compensation compared to their counterparts in secondary schools or collegiate athletics. This discrepancy arises from factors such as contract structures, with full-time positions in industrial environments typically providing year-round stability and benefits. To maximize earning potential, athletic trainers should consider additional certifications like the CSCS or OCS-AT, and seek roles that involve leadership responsibilities or stipends for extra duties, which can significantly elevate their pay in South Gate's diverse athletic training landscape.
More salary data for South Gate, 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 $76,420 for athletic trainersin the South Gate 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 South Gate 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