Sports Trainers

Earnings vary depending on the level of athletics in which the trainer is involved, the trainer's education and credentials, and the number and type of responsibilities. Those considering a career as an athletic trainer should keep all aspects of the job and salary in perspective; the slight increase in salary of a trainer working for a college team might be offset by the higher stress levels and longer hours away from home. Trainers who work with professional athletes are away from home a great deal, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that athletic trainers earned median salaries of $48,440 in May 2019. The highest paid 10 percent earned more than $73,470, while the lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $31,300.

Depending on their employers, most sports trainers enjoy a full complement of benefits, including vacation and sick time as well as holidays and medical and dental insurance. Self-employed workers must provide their own benefits.