Athletic Trainers
Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.
Common Job Titles
- Athletic Instructor
- Athletic Trainer
- Certified Athletic Trainer
- Personal Trainer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign individualized rehabilitation and conditioning programs integrating assessment findings with evidence-based practices and athlete-specific goals.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate comprehensive documentation of injury evaluations, treatment plans, and progress notes in compliance with regulatory standards and for interdisciplinary communication.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate musculoskeletal injuries and patient compliance with treatment protocols in athletic and clinical settings, using diagnostic criteria and monitoring tools.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform emergency care procedures including splinting, oxygen administration, and defibrillation under time pressure at athletic events, following emergency protocols.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate therapeutic modalities including ultrasound, TENS, and heat/cold therapy equipment during rehabilitative care, selecting appropriate treatment parameters.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with injury prevention strategies when counseling athletes and coaching staff on risk reduction and wellness.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess range of motion, muscle strength, and functional capacity using goniometers, dynamometers, and standardized testing protocols.Proficient
- KnowledgeJustify clinical decisions regarding return-to-play clearance by analyzing injury severity, healing progression, and functional readiness in collaboration with physicians.Proficient
- Hands-onDemonstrate mastery of manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercise instruction across diverse patient populations, adapting interventions to individual needs.Proficient
- MindsetEngage athletes in shared decision-making and treatment adherence through active listening and social perceptiveness during ongoing care.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Athletic Trainers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
28,950
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $45,380. 25th percentile: U.S. $51,590. 50th percentile: U.S. $60,250. 75th percentile: U.S. $70,880. 90th percentile: U.S. $84,100. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $45,380 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $84,100 |
| Workers on average earn | $63,960 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Medicine and Dentistry4.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- Psychology4.2/5
- Therapy and Counseling3.9/5
- English Language3.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- BioEx Systems Exercise Pro
- Database software
- Digital Coach AthleticTrainer
- Email software
- ImPACT Applications ImPACT
- Injury tracking software
- Keffer Development Services Athletic Trainer System ATS
- Premier Software Simtrak Mobility
Tools & Equipment
- Air splints
- Automated blood pressure cuffs
- Automated external defibrillators AED
- Biofeedback equipment
- Body-fat calipers
- Cervical traction units
- Cold therapy equipment
- Crutches