Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses, providing preventive care, therapeutic treatment, emergency response, and rehabilitation. They work primarily in sports settings such as high schools, colleges, and professional sports organizations, though some practice in clinics, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against athletic trainers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Athletic trainers spend their time assessing injuries on the sideline or in clinical settings, applying treatments like taping, ice, and therapeutic exercises, and developing rehabilitation plans for recovering athletes. They attend practices and games to provide immediate care, document patient progress, coordinate with physicians, and educate athletes on injury prevention. Administrative tasks include maintaining records and equipment.
Who this work suits
Holland code SRI. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to succeed in this role if you're drawn to hands-on problem-solving with people and prefer concrete, practical work over theory. You likely enjoy both the social aspect of working closely with athletes and the realistic, physical nature of assessment and treatment.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $67,600 | $78,490 | $90,180 | 1,760 |
| Hawaii | $61,210 | $76,320 | $80,080 | 200 |
| New Jersey | $60,800 | $76,210 | $93,540 | 890 |
| District of Columbia | $61,170 | $74,450 | $97,040 | 100 |
| New Mexico | $57,960 | $72,440 | $77,490 | 150 |
| Massachusetts | $59,870 | $70,010 | $87,230 | 630 |
| Connecticut | $58,860 | $69,960 | $82,270 | 290 |
| New York | $57,580 | $66,230 | $79,530 | 1,370 |
| Utah | $63,360 | $65,980 | $78,920 | 340 |
| Minnesota | $63,080 | $65,390 | $74,810 | 820 |
| Illinois | $53,510 | $64,750 | $76,560 | 850 |
| Georgia | $54,850 | $64,590 | $78,410 | 860 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) (ATC) — National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against athletic trainers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-9091.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.