Key Insights
Athletic Trainers are a dynamic career within the sector, offering a unique blend of opportunities and challenges for professionals seeking meaningful work.
The median annual salary for this occupation is $60,250, which is below the typical salary for this field. Over the next decade, employment is projected to grow by 11.0%, reflecting above average growth trends and strong demand . The automation risk for this occupation is 8.0%. This suggests a high degree of job security, as automation is less likely to impact this role in the near future. Work-life balance is rated as 7.6, which can be an important factor for job satisfaction and overall well-being.
Individuals with Social, Investigative, or Conventional personality traits tend to thrive in this career. Key skills for success include Compassion, Decision-making skills, Detail oriented, Interpersonal skills. Developing and refining these abilities can set you apart from other candidates and help you excel in your role. Notable strengths for this occupation are High Demand, Flexible Work, Continuous Learning. Leveraging these strengths can lead to greater job satisfaction and career advancement. Some common challenges professionals may encounter include Burnout Risk, Rapid Technological Change. Being aware of these potential obstacles can help you prepare and develop strategies to overcome them.
The highest employment levels for this occupation are found in Pennsylvania, offering strong job prospects in that region. The leading industry for this role is Arts, entertainment, and recreation, which may provide additional opportunities for specialization and growth.
Whether you are just starting your career journey or looking to make a change, Athletic Trainers offers a compelling mix of salary potential, job outlook, and personal fit. By understanding the key factors that influence success in this field, you can make informed decisions and position yourself for long-term achievement.
What They Do
Athletic Trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries in athletes and physically active individuals. They develop rehabilitation programs, provide emergency care, and promote overall physical health. Their work is critical in sports medicine, healthcare, and fitness settings.
This career is well suited for individuals who enjoy healthcare, physical activity, and working closely with athletes.
What Do Athletic Trainers Do?
These professionals assess injuries, implement treatment plans, and help patients recover safely and effectively.
Common responsibilities include:
- Evaluating and diagnosing musculoskeletal injuries
- Developing and implementing rehabilitation programs
- Providing first aid and emergency care during athletic events
- Educating athletes on injury prevention and health maintenance
- Collaborating with physicians, coaches, and other healthcare professionals
- Maintaining detailed patient records and progress reports
- Monitoring and adjusting treatment plans based on recovery
Key Areas of Athletic Training
Athletic trainers may focus on specific activities or populations:
- Injury Prevention: Designing programs to reduce the risk of sports-related injuries
- Rehabilitation and Therapy: Guiding recovery after injury or surgery
- Emergency Care and First Aid: Responding to injuries on the field or in training
- Education and Health Promotion: Teaching proper techniques, nutrition, and conditioning
- Sports Performance Support: Monitoring athlete fitness and performance levels
Skills and Abilities Needed
Athletic trainers combine medical knowledge, physical fitness, and interpersonal skills.
Core Professional Skills
- Injury assessment and rehabilitation techniques - First aid, CPR, and emergency response - Exercise physiology and conditioning - Knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology, and biomechanics - Recordkeeping and patient progress documentation - Communication and collaboration with healthcare and sports professionalsPersonal Qualities That Matter
- Strong observational and analytical skills - Physical stamina and manual dexterity - Patience and empathy - Problem-solving and critical thinking - Strong communication and interpersonal abilities - Attention to detail and responsibilityEducation and Career Pathway
This role typically requires formal education and certification:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: Athletic training, kinesiology, or related healthcare field
- Clinical Internship or Practicum: Hands-on experience in sports or healthcare settings
- Certification and Licensure: Board of Certification (BOC) credential or state licensing
- Continuing Education: Maintaining certification and staying current on treatment methods and sports medicine research
- Specialization (optional): Focus in specific sports, rehabilitation, or wellness programs
Where Do Athletic Trainers Work?
They are employed in settings that involve athletic performance and healthcare:
- Schools, Colleges, and Universities
- Professional and Amateur Sports Teams
- Rehabilitation Clinics and Hospitals
- Fitness Centers and Sports Facilities
- Occupational and Industrial Health Programs
Work environments include gyms, athletic fields, clinics, and hospitals.
Is This Career Difficult?
This career requires physical stamina, medical knowledge, and strong interpersonal skills. Athletic trainers must manage injuries, respond to emergencies, and develop individualized rehabilitation plans.
Who Should Consider This Career?
This career may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy healthcare and working with athletes
- Are detail-oriented and analytical
- Can handle physically demanding tasks
- Have strong communication and collaboration skills
- Want a career focused on injury prevention, treatment, and performance enhancement
How to Prepare Early
- Take courses in anatomy, physiology, health sciences, and kinesiology
- Gain experience through internships, volunteer work, or athletic programs
- Develop skills in first aid, CPR, and emergency response
- Participate in sports, fitness, or rehabilitation programs
- Explore accredited athletic training degree programs and certification options
Athletic trainers prevent, assess, and treat injuries, support athlete health and performance, and provide critical care in sports and healthcare settings.
Career Video
Key facts
Top Skills
StartRight Career Intelligence Metrics
Job Growth Outlook
+11.0%Automation Risk Assessment
Low RiskWork-Life Balance Score
7.6/10Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Powered by O*NET Career Profiling
Personality Match: The higher the score (out of 10), the better this career matches that personality type. People with similar interests and work styles tend to be most satisfied in careers that match their personality profile.
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor
Strengths
- High Demand
- Flexible Work
- Continuous Learning
Challenges
- Burnout Risk
- Rapid Technological Change
Median Salary Comparison
Employment projection (2024–2034)
Geographic Employment & Wage Analysis
BLS OEWS Data Updated 2024-05States with Highest Employment
- Pennsylvania 2,310
- Texas 2,030
- California 1,760
- Ohio 1,690
- Florida 1,490
- Georgia 1,300
- New York 1,180
- North Carolina 1,050
- Illinois 900
- Virginia 890
Regional Wage Variations
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Pennsylvania -2%$58,970
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Texas +10%$66,430
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California +23%$74,150
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Ohio 1%$60,900
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Florida -3%$58,410
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Georgia 3%$61,790
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New York +6%$63,850
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North Carolina -12%$52,980
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Illinois 3%$62,140
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Virginia -3%$58,200