How to Become an Athletic Trainer
Prevent, evaluate, and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries for athletes and active patients, often as the first responder on the field. It typically requires a master's degree, with a median salary of $62,520 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$62,520/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
2,400
Majors that lead here
Common majors include Athletic Training, Kinesiology / Exercise Science, Sports Medicine.
Key skills
- Injury Evaluation
- Rehabilitation
- Emergency Care
- Monitoring
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- BOC ATC (Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Frequently asked questions
How much does an Athletic Trainer make?
The median pay for an Athletic Trainer is $62,520 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Athletic Trainer?
The usual entry point is a master's degree. Common majors are Athletic Training, Kinesiology / Exercise Science, and Sports Medicine.
Is Athletic Trainer a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 2,400 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Athletic Trainer use most?
Common skills for this role are Injury Evaluation, Rehabilitation, Emergency Care, Monitoring, and Communication.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.