Athletic trainers, sometimes known as ATs or athletic training specialists, are healthcare professionals who work with athletes to prevent and treat injuries through physical rehabilitation, conditioning, and injury prevention programs.
They also help athletes stay in the game by preventing, evaluating, and treating injuries.
But, how much do they earn? Several factors affect athletic trainer salary, including certification status, geographic location, and years of experience.
For more information on athletic trainer salaries and job descriptions, read on.
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What Does an Athletic Trainer Do?
Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who work with athletes to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries.
They work with all types of athletes, from amateur to professional, and often have a specialty in a particular sport.
Athletic trainers typically work in hospitals, clinics, or sports facilities. Some may also work in schools or for corporate wellness programs.
To succeed as an athletic trainer, you must be skilled in various skills, including emergency care, injury prevention, performance enhancement, rehabilitation techniques, and more.
You will need excellent interpersonal skills so that you can relate well to the athlete, their family members, and other medical staff members.
Job Description
Athletic trainers are highly skilled professionals who work with athletes to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries.
They work with all types of athletes, from amateur to professional, and their job requires a great deal of knowledge and experience.
Athletic trainers must be able to communicate effectively with athletes, coaches, doctors, and other members of the healthcare team.
They must also stay calm under pressure and have excellent problem-solving skills.
Athletic trainers can specialize in various areas, including pediatrics, sports medicine, biomechanics, clinical care, or rehabilitation.
Education & Training Requirements
Education
Most athletic trainers have a bachelor’s degree in athletic training. Some states require licensure or certification.
Athletic trainers must complete a four-year professional program in athletic training accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAATE).
To be certified, they must pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam.
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Training Requirement
A bachelor’s degree in athletic training, physical education, or a related field is required for most entry-level positions.
Some states also require certification or licensure. Certification requires passing an exam administered by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC).
Licensure requirements vary by state but generally include completing an accredited educational program and passing the BOC exam.
Athletic trainers typically work full time, although some may have irregular hours because they must work evenings or weekends to attend sporting events.
Many athletic trainers travel with sports teams to provide on-site care.
Athletic Trainer Salary – What You Will Make and Why
Most athletic trainers make between $30,000 and $50,000 a year. The median wage is about $42,000.
The top 10% of earners make more than $64,000 a year. And the bottom 10% of earners make less than $27,000 a year.
So, what factors affect how much an athletic trainer makes?
It depends on their experience, education, geographical location, and the type of employer they work for.
For example, public school districts pay lower salaries than private schools or colleges.
Geographical location can also affect how much you will make. For example, some states pay more than others.
Lastly, suppose you are in an administrative position such as Director of Athletics or Athletic Director.
In that case, your salary will be higher because these positions require a lot of responsibility and experience.
Key Benefits of Being an Athletic Trainer
- A career in athletic training offers a chance to work in various settings.
- Athletic trainers are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of athletic trainers will grow 21 percent from 2021 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- The salary is good. The median annual wage for athletic trainers is $48,390.
- The job outlook is good. In addition to the projected growth in employment, many job openings will result from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation each year.
- Athletic trainers typically need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program before they can enter the field
- Most states regulate athletic trainers
- Professional certification is available.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, athletic trainers can make a good salary. In addition, they work with athletes to help prevent injuries and provide care if an injury does occur.
The job can be demanding, but it is also rewarding. If you want to become an athletic trainer, research your state or province’s requirements.
Then, take the necessary steps to start your career.