Introduction
Athletic trainers are responsible for providing medical care to athletes and ensuring they stay healthy and performing at their best. They provide preventative measures, assess injuries and create rehabilitation plans, among other duties. As such, they play a critical role in helping athletes stay safe and reach their peak performance. With this added responsibility comes an appropriate salary.
Overview of Athletic Trainer Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for athletic trainers was $48,440 in May 2020. This means that half of all athletic trainers earned more than this amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,820 annually, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $76,000.
Purpose of the Article
This article will explore what affects an athletic trainer’s salary, including education and experience, the type of industry they work in, benefits packages and other factors. We will also look at the variance in salaries across different industries.
Education and Experience Impacting Athletic Trainer Pay
Athletic trainers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or a related field. Many states also require athletic trainers to be licensed or certified, which may require additional coursework and passing an exam.
Required Education and Certifications
Most employers require athletic trainers to have a bachelor’s degree in athletic training or a related field, such as exercise science or kinesiology. Some schools offer master’s degrees in athletic training or sports medicine.
In addition to a degree, many states require athletic trainers to be licensed or certified. Most states require athletic trainers to pass an examination administered by the Board of Certification (BOC). The BOC exam covers topics such as injury prevention, assessment and treatment, anatomy and physiology and therapeutic modalities.
Additional Education and Training
Some employers may prefer or require athletic trainers to have additional certifications or training. For example, some employers may prefer athletic trainers who have a certification in CPR or first aid. Other employers may prefer athletic trainers who have specialized training in treating certain injuries or conditions.
Job Experience and Seniority
Experience is another factor that affects an athletic trainer’s salary. Athletic trainers with more job experience typically earn higher salaries than those with less experience. Seniority can also affect an athletic trainer’s salary. Those with more seniority may receive higher pay than those with less seniority.
Variance in Athletic Trainer Salaries Across Different Industries
The type of industry an athletic trainer works in can also affect their salary. Athletic trainers may work in a variety of settings, including colleges and universities, professional sports teams, hospitals and physical therapy clinics.
Types of Industries that Employ Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers may work in a variety of industries, including:
- Colleges and universities
- Professional sports teams
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Physical therapy clinics
- Fitness centers and gyms
- Sports camps and recreational facilities
Average Salary by Industry
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for athletic trainers in May 2020 was $48,440. However, salaries vary depending on the industry. The following table shows the median annual wages for athletic trainers in different industries.
| Industry | Median Annual Wage (May 2020) |
|---|---|
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | $49,820 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $48,070 |
| Sports Teams and Clubs | $45,620 |
| Hospitals; State, Local, and Private | $42,810 |
| Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers | $37,310 |
Benefits Packages for Athletic Trainers
In addition to a salary, many employers offer benefits packages to athletic trainers. These benefits may include health insurance, paid vacation time, retirement plans and other perks. Depending on the employer, benefits packages may vary.
Typical Benefits Offered
Common benefits offered to athletic trainers include:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Reimbursement for continuing education courses
- Discounts on fitness equipment and services
Retirement Plans
Many employers offer retirement plans to their employees. These plans may include 401(k) plans, pension plans and other types of retirement savings plans. Retirement plans allow employees to save money for retirement and may provide tax advantages.
Factors That Affect an Athletic Trainer’s Salary
In addition to education and experience, there are several other factors that can affect an athletic trainer’s salary. These include location, demand, supply and specialization.
Location
Location is one of the most important factors that affects an athletic trainer’s salary. Salaries may vary significantly based on geographic region due to differences in cost of living and local labor markets.
Demand
The demand for athletic trainers in a particular area can also affect their salary. Areas with high demand for athletic trainers may offer higher salaries than areas with lower demand.
Supply
The supply of athletic trainers in a particular area can also affect their salary. Areas with fewer athletic trainers may offer higher salaries than areas with more athletic trainers.
Specialization
Athletic trainers may specialize in a particular sport or type of injury, which may affect their salary. Athletic trainers who specialize in a particular sport or type of injury may be able to command higher salaries than those who do not specialize.
Conclusion
Athletic trainers play a critical role in the health and performance of athletes. They typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and may need to be licensed or certified. Salaries vary depending on factors such as education and experience, the type of industry they work in and other factors. Benefits packages may include health insurance, paid vacation time, retirement plans and other perks. Location, demand, supply and specialization can also affect an athletic trainer’s salary.
In conclusion, athletic trainer salaries can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. Those with more education, experience and specialized training can expect to earn higher salaries than those without these qualifications. Furthermore, the type of industry they work in, location and other factors can also influence their salary.
Athletic trainers play an important role in helping athletes reach their peak performance and stay safe. While the salary can vary depending on the factors discussed above, it is possible to make a good living as an athletic trainer.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)