Athletic Trainer Salary in Tulare, CA: $82,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Tulare, CA earns a median $82,009/year (≈ $39.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Tulare's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,510 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tulare, California, athletic trainers can expect a median annual salary of $82,009 in 2026, which marks a significant increase compared to the national median of $65,415. The local salary range stretches from $62,826 at the 10th percentile to $113,575 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities within this profession. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities indicate that athletic trainer pay in Tulare CA is strongly influenced by the varying settings of practice; professionals working in industrial environments often receive higher compensation compared to those in traditional sports or educational institutions. This disparity highlights a vital consideration for prospective athletic trainers in the region as they navigate their career paths amid the growing demand for certified professionals.
About the Tulare Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,826 | $30.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,484 | $34.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,009 | $39.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,733 | $46.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,575 | $54.61 |
Median Salary Position
25.37% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tulare
In Tulare, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,749 (2026 est.). At $82,009, the local median is 25.37% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tulare: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tulare Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Tulare median: $82,009/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tulare Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,197 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +25.37% more |
Athletic Trainers in Tulare, CA earn a median of $82,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.37% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.00% above the California state average of $81,197.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tulare has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tulare, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,009 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,510 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,728
2025 BLS Actual
$78,380
2026 Current Est.
$82,009
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Tulare (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,728 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,508 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,703 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,498 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,626 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,272 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,806 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tulare metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $60,728 (2019) to $78,380 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,806 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,078 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tulare 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) | $62,826 – $71,484 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,484 – $82,009 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,009 – $96,733 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,733 – $113,575 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Tulare
In analyzing the local job market, there are currently 17 athletic trainers employed in Tulare, which suggests a relatively stable field but limited competition. However, the cost-of-living index for the area sits at 113.1, indicating that living expenses are above the national average, which could affect the take-home purchasing power for these professionals. Among potential employers, industrial and occupational health settings—such as those associated with Toyota and FedEx—typically offer higher salaries, while roles in high schools or colleges might contribute different compensation levels based on contract structures and responsibilities. Factors that create a pay gap include whether the role is year-round or school-year only, the position as head athletic trainer versus assistant, and additional stipends for special events. To maximize pay in Tulare's specific market, aspiring athletic trainers may consider pursuing advanced certifications or seeking roles in industrial settings where the compensation considerably surpasses that of traditional sports environments.
More salary data for Tulare, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Tulare?
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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 $78,380 for athletic trainersin the Tulare 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 Tulare 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