Athletic Trainer
Also known as: AT, Certified Athletic Trainer, ATC, Sports Trainer, Sports Medicine Specialist
Prevent, diagnose, and treat muscle and bone injuries for athletes and physically active people, working on sidelines and in clinics.
Salary Range
The highest-paid specialization or seniority level for athletic trainers.
About 1 in 333 reaches this level
About 33,900 athletic trainers in the US; only ~120 head AT positions exist across NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, with top NFL/NBA trainers earning $200-225K.
Salary data based on 2025 BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
How to Become One
This career typically requires a bachelor's degree. Here are the top colleges for it:
AI Risk Assessment
Athletic training is one of the most AI-resistant healthcare careers. BLS projects 11% employment growth from 2024-2034 (nearly 4x the national average), with about 2,400 openings annually. While the AI sports analytics market is surging from $8.9B to a projected $27.6B by 2030, these tools serve as aids for trainers -- predicting injury risk and suggesting recovery protocols -- rather than replacements. The core work demands hands-on physical assessment, real-time triage, and athlete trust that no algorithm can replicate.
Ratings reflect a 10-year outlook based on 2025-2026 research, weighted toward entry-level impact. Individual outcomes will vary.
Related Careers
Is Athletic Trainer right for you?
Take our free 20-minute assessment to find out if athletic trainer matches your personality, interests, and strengths.
Take the Free Assessment