The salaries of athletic trainers will vary depending on many different factors. Some athletic trainers work in hospitals and other organizations while the majority work for high schools, colleges, universities and major sports teams. The difference in salary can depend on the actual position, the location and the amount of hours worked. Many athletic trainers will earn higher salaries once they have completed higher education and are responsible for more activities.
For those trainers who work in fields outside of sports, like a hospital, will generally have a schedule that is consistent with the typical workweek. These trainers work 40-50 hours a week depending on the individual needs of the company. Standard workweeks may include weekends off. It is not uncommon for trainers who are employed in hospitals to work at other locations as well. Many hospitals offer outreach programs that deal directly with secondary schools, colleges and commercial businesses and may require an athletic trainer to be present in the case of injury.
Athletic trainers who choose a career in a sports setting will be subject to schedules that are not as consistent in a typical sort of way. Their schedules will vary and are typically longer. Trainers in this industry must be available at all practices and games. Practice times and game times can vary and be during the evenings or on the weekend. Schedules have the tendency to change, so it is important for athletic trainers in this area to be flexible. It is possible during the busy season to work 6-7 days a week.
Salaries tend to range from $24,000 per year to $42,150 per year. These figures are based on the average yearly earnings of athletic trainers who are employed by specific organizations. Athletic trainers who work in a school district earn on the average of $38,500 per year while those who are employed by hospitals earn roughly $32,350 per year. Of course, these earnings will depend on other factors like location and the level of education. The average earnings of athletic trainers working for a sports team are $35,000. These earnings may also vary depending on the rank of the team and the level of play associated with the specific sports team.
Overall, it is important when researching a position as an athletic training to look into the many different options. Choosing to work in a hospital or other related organization would allow an individual an established schedule with benefits and a typical workweek. Those who choose to work in the sports industry must be flexible and available on different days of the week and at different times in order to meet the needs of the individual sports team or organization.
