Athletic Trainer Salary in Tustin, CA: $81,090 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Tustin, CA earns a median $81,090/year (≈ $38.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Tustin's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $71,698 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Tustin, California can expect a median annual salary of $81,090 as of 2026, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $65,415. The projected salary range is significant, with the lowest 10% earning around $60,389 and the top 90% making approximately $113,612. This disparity can be attributed to the industrial versus traditional sports environments dominant in the area. Athletic trainers who are employed in industrial settings often receive higher compensation compared to their counterparts in high schools or collegiate environments, largely due to the nature of job responsibilities and contractual arrangements. The financial outlook for athletic trainers in Tustin is shaped by local estimates from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, painting a favorable picture for professionals in this field.
About the Tustin Market
Salary estimated from California average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,389 | $29.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,571 | $33.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,090 | $38.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,248 | $46.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,612 | $54.62 |
Median Salary Position
23.96% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tustin
In Tustin, CA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,223 (2026 est.). At $81,090, the local median is 23.96% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tustin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tustin Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Tustin median: $81,090/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tustin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $81,172 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +23.96% more |
Athletic Trainers in Tustin, CA earn a median of $81,090 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.96% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.10% below the California state average of $81,172.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tustin has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tustin, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,090 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,698 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,048
2025 BLS Actual
$77,502
2026 Current Est.
$81,090
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,048 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,808 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,023 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,742 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,812 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,502 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,090 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,845 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tustin metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $60,048 (2019) to $77,502 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,845 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,797 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tustin 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) | $60,389 – $69,571 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,571 – $81,090 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,090 – $96,248 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,248 – $113,612 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Tustin
With 18 athletic trainers currently working in Tustin, the job market suggests steady demand for these essential healthcare providers. However, this need is framed within a cost-of-living index of 113.1, slightly above the national average. This index indicates that while salaries are higher than national figures, purchasing power may be impacted by local living expenses. The highest-paying opportunities among local employers tend to be found in professional sports teams, where annual contracts and game-day stipends can boost overall compensation. Positions in industrial or occupational health settings also command competitive pay. Factors such as experience, specific certifications (like CSCS or OCS-AT), and the type of academic institution can widen the pay gap. For those entering the field, actively seeking year-round contracts and considering positions in higher-paying sectors can enhance financial prospects in the Tustin market.
More salary data for Tustin, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Tustin, CA in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Tustin?
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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 $77,502 for athletic trainersin the Tustin 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 Tustin 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