What does an Athletic Trainer do?

Athletic trainers work with athletes to prevent injuries, provide immediate care, and guide rehabilitation. You develop fitness programs, offer support during recovery, and ensure athletes are physically ready to perform at their best, reducing injury risks.

Athletic Trainer: Main duties

Athletic Trainers in the Sports & Fitness field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

  • Develop athletic injury prevention and treatment programs.
  • Conduct assessments of athletes' physical condition and provide recommendations.
  • Provide first aid or emergency care for physical injuries.
  • Rehabilitate injured athletes and assist in the recovery process with therapeutic exercises and treatments.
  • Coordinate with physicians to develop and manage comprehensive rehabilitation programs for injuries.
  • Document athletes’ injuries, treatment plans, and progress.
  • Design and implement comprehensive programs for conditioning and injury prevention.

Athletic Trainer: Key Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, Sports Medicine, or related field.
  • Board of Certification (BOC) certification for Athletic Trainers.
  • State licensure where required.
  • Clinical or field experience in athletic training settings.
  • Ongoing continuing education to maintain certification and licensure.

Basic Skills and Requirements for Athletic Trainers

  • Strong interpersonal skills to communicate with athletes and medical professionals.
  • Knowledge of sports-related injuries and treatments.
  • Ability to respond effectively to emergencies and high-pressure situations.
  • Physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods.
  • Attention to detail for accurate injury assessment and record-keeping.

Salary Expectations for Athletic Trainers


Job Branch Avg. US Salary
Athletic Trainer Sports & Fitness 49,400 USD

The average salary for an Athletic Trainer in the U.S. is approximately $49,400 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Athletic Trainers may receive a wide range of benefits.

Level Experience Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran20+ years$61,750
Senior11+ years$54,340
Experienced6-10 years$49,400
Mid Level3-5 years$44,460
Entry Level0-2 years$37,050

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Athletic Trainer Salary Country Overview.

Career Path for Athletic Trainers

Athletic Trainers can progress to higher positions such as Head Athletic Trainer, Athletic Director, or specialize in sports medicine with further education. Opportunities also exist in less traditional settings like military or performing arts. Advanced degrees can lead to roles in education, research, or more specialized clinical practice.

Athletic Trainer: Work Environment

Athletic Trainers typically work in schools, colleges, sports medicine clinics, or professional sports teams. They may also work in military training centers, hospitals, or corporate wellness programs. The job involves working directly on the field or court during practices and games, which often requires evening, weekend, and holiday hours. It can be physically demanding, requiring the Trainer to move equipment, provide physical support to injured athletes, and manage first aid under all weather conditions.

Cityjobs.info provides not only a detailed Athletic Trainer job description but also insights about salary data in different countries worldwide.


Explore more Careers & Salary Insights

Athletic Trainer

Explore the vital role of Athletic Trainers in sports and fitness, focusing on injury prev...

Job Description Salary Info

Personal Trainer

Expert personal trainer dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness goals with customize...

Job Description Salary Info

Yoga Teacher

Discover the role of a Yoga Teacher, dedicated to guiding others through yoga practice to ...

Job Description Salary Info

Explore Our Latest Blog Posts on Career Development and Personal Growth

Stay up to date with insightful articles on career advancement, personal growth strategies, and the latest trends in the job market. From expert tips on navigating your career path to practical advice on improving your work-life balance, cityjobs blog offers valuable resources to help you succeed both professionally and personally.

How can I stand out in modern Job Interviews?
  • Career

How can I stand out in modern Job Interviews?

Discover how to stand out in today’s job interviews with five key strategies focused on skills, real-world examples, and aligning with company values.

Remote Work in Portugal: What you need to know
  • Career

Remote Work in Portugal: What you need to know

Discover why Portugal is the ultimate destination for remote workers. Learn about tax benefits, visa requirements, top destinations, and more. Portugal is definitely a place to work at.