Personal Care & Fitness San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Athletic Trainer Salary in San Francisco, California

The median athletic trainer salary in San Francisco, CA is $97,989 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$97,989
vs State Avg
+$23,690
vs National
+$44,149
Cost of Living
182%

Athletic Trainer Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median athletic trainer salary of $97,989, which is $23,690 above the California state average of $74,299. Compared to the national median of $53,840, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $97,989 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $53,840. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for athletic trainers in San Francisco spans from $61,880 at the 10th percentile to $149,240 at the 90th percentile — a $87,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,520, while senior athletic trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $141,960. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Athletic Trainer Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $65,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $141,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,520
+$29,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,100
+$45,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$141,960
+$63,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $61,880
25th Percentile $76,440
Median (50th) $97,989
75th Percentile $123,760
90th Percentile $149,240

Athletic Trainer Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in San Francisco

Education

Most athletic trainer positions require a bachelor's degree. San Francisco and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Injury AssessmentRehabilitationTaping/BracingEmergency CareExercise ScienceCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, athletic trainer employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Athletic Trainer Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open athletic trainer positions in San Francisco, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median athletic trainer salary in San Francisco, California is $97,989 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $61,880 (10th percentile) to $149,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,989, a athletic trainer in San Francisco earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for athletic trainer pay? ▼
San Francisco's median athletic trainer salary of $97,989 is 31.9% above the California state average of $74,299. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a athletic trainer salary of $97,989 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a athletic trainer in San Francisco? ▼
Most athletic trainer positions in San Francisco require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Injury Assessment, Rehabilitation, Taping/Bracing, Emergency Care. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.