Athletic Trainers

1. Overview

Athletic trainers specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of muscle, bone, and joint injuries. They work with athletes, as well as people of all ages who require rehabilitation for injuries. Their role is vital in ensuring proper injury prevention, treatment, and recovery, as well as promoting overall physical wellness. Athletic trainers are often among the first healthcare providers on the scene when injuries occur.

• 2024 Median Pay: $60,250 per year

• Job Growth (2023–2033): 13% (Much faster than average)

• Typical Education: Master's degree

• Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None required

• On-the-job Training: None

• Number of Jobs, 2023: 34,300

• Job Outlook, 2023–33: 13% growth, adding 4,300 jobs

2. Role Breakdown by Level

Entry-Level Role: Athletic Trainer

• Job Titles: Athletic Trainer, Assistant Athletic Trainer

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in athletic training (many have a Master’s degree as well)

• Experience: Entry-level requires no work experience, but clinical internships are common during educational programs.

• Certifications: Must pass the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) exam. Licensure or certification is required by most states.

• Core Duties:

• Apply injury-preventive devices like tape and braces

• Recognize and evaluate injuries

• Provide first aid or emergency care

• Develop and carry out rehabilitation programs

• Perform administrative tasks such as keeping records and writing reports

• Salary Range: $45,380 – $60,250 per year

• Key Skills:

• Strong decision-making abilities

• Good interpersonal and communication skills

• Detail-oriented

• Physical stamina to assist injured athletes

Mid-Level Role: Senior Athletic Trainer

• Job Titles: Senior Athletic Trainer, Head Athletic Trainer, Team Trainer

• Education: Master’s degree in Athletic Training or related field

• Experience: 3-5 years of experience working as an athletic trainer, with increasing responsibilities in program management.

• Certifications: Board-certified as an athletic trainer (BOC certification), and additional specialty certifications may be beneficial.

• Core Duties:

• Lead and manage a team of athletic trainers

• Plan injury prevention programs and therapeutic interventions

• Work closely with physicians to manage complex injury cases

• Supervise and mentor junior staff or assistants

• Oversee team travel and support at sporting events

• Salary Range: $60,250 – $75,000 per year

• Key Skills:

• Leadership and team management

• Advanced injury rehabilitation techniques

• Risk management and injury prevention

• Communication and collaboration with sports medical teams

Senior-Level Role: Athletic Training Director / Clinical Specialist

• Job Titles: Athletic Training Director, Clinical Specialist, Head Athletic Trainer (in larger organizations or professional sports)

• Education: Master’s degree or specialized certification (e.g., PhD or DPT)

• Experience: 10+ years of experience, including leadership or managerial roles, overseeing athletic training operations.

• Certifications: Board-certified, with advanced certifications in areas like sports medicine, orthopedics, or rehabilitation.

• Core Duties:

• Oversee athletic training departments or programs at schools, hospitals, or sports teams

• Develop strategic plans for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and wellness programs

• Manage budgets, purchasing, and staffing for athletic training departments

• Lead research projects or educate upcoming athletic trainers

• Collaborate with higher-level medical professionals for complex cases

• Salary Range: $75,000 – $100,000+ per year

• Key Skills:

• High-level leadership and strategic planning

• Financial and operational management

• Expertise in advanced rehabilitation and clinical techniques

• Policy and program development

3. How to Become an Athletic Trainer

Education Requirements:

• Entry-Level: A Bachelor’s degree in athletic training or a related field is typically required. Master’s degrees are becoming more common for this role.

• Mid-Level: A Master’s degree in Athletic Training or a related field is often required, especially for specialized or advanced roles.

• Senior-Level: A Master’s or Doctoral degree, plus advanced certifications, are often required for roles in management or specialization (sports medicine, rehabilitation, etc.).

Work Experience in a Related Occupation:

• Entry-Level: Clinical internships during educational programs provide essential hands-on experience. Previous volunteer or part-time work in sports medicine may be beneficial.

• Mid-Level: Several years (3-5) of practical experience, including supervision of junior staff and increased responsibility in injury management and rehabilitation.

• Senior-Level: Significant experience in athletic training, with leadership or specialized clinical experience.

Licensing and Certifications:

• Nearly all states require athletic trainers to be licensed or certified. Requirements vary by state.

• The Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) is the standard certification for athletic trainers.

• Continuing education is required to maintain certification, and some trainers pursue additional specialization certifications in sports medicine, orthopedics, or rehabilitation.

4. Skills & Tools

Core Skills:

• Compassion: Work closely with athletes and patients who may be in pain or facing serious injuries.

• Decision-making: Make critical decisions regarding treatment or referral to physicians.

• Attention to Detail: Accurately monitor and record patient progress and ensure effective treatments.

• Communication: Effectively communicate with athletes, coaches, physicians, and other medical professionals.

• Interpersonal Skills: Manage sensitive situations with athletes and clients, providing empathetic care.

Tools & Equipment:

• Therapeutic Modalities: Equipment for heat/ice therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and other injury recovery treatments.

• Rehabilitation Tools: Resistance bands, exercise equipment, and motion-tracking devices for therapy.

• Medical Software: Programs for patient documentation and injury tracking.

• Sports Safety Equipment: Braces, protective devices, and first aid supplies.

5. Work Environment

• Work Schedule: Athletic trainers work full-time, but their schedules can include evenings, weekends, and travel for sports events.

• Work Locations: Athletic trainers can be found in various settings such as:

• Educational institutions (high schools, colleges, universities)

• Hospitals or physical therapy clinics

• Sports teams (professional, collegiate, or recreational leagues)

• Military or law enforcement units

Athletic trainers working in sports may travel with teams for away games or events, while those in clinical or hospital settings generally have a more consistent work schedule.

6. Pay

• Median Annual Wage (2024): $60,250 per year

• Salaries by Specialty:

• Educational Services: $62,030

• Hospitals: $59,890

• Sports Centers: $44,250

The wage can vary based on the level of experience, specialty, and the type of employer.

7. Job Outlook

• Job Growth: The demand for athletic trainers is expected to grow 13% from 2023–2033, much faster than average for all occupations.

• Annual Openings: Approximately 2,700 openings per year due to replacement of workers who retire or transfer to other fields.

This growth is driven by increasing awareness of the need for athletic trainers at all levels of sports and fitness, as well as an aging population who continue to engage in physical activities.

8. Related Occupations

• Chiropractors: Treat musculoskeletal issues through spinal manipulation.

• Coaches and Scouts: Teach athletic skills and scout talent for sports teams.

• Exercise Physiologists: Develop fitness programs to improve physical health.

• Physical Therapists: Focus on rehabilitation and movement for individuals recovering from injuries.

9. Resources for Learning & Advancement

Books:

• "Athletic Training and Sports Medicine" by Robert C. Schenck

• "The Athletic Trainer's Guide to Rehabilitation" by Jeffrey S. Gaudette

Online Courses:

• LinkedIn Learning offers athletic training-related courses.

• Coursera provides courses on sports medicine and rehabilitation.

Certifications:

• Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC)

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

Communities:

• Reddit: r/AthleticTraining for tips and networking.

• YouTube: Channels offering advice on athletic training practices and rehabilitation techniques.

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