Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.
SOC: 29-9091.00
Common Job Titles
Athletic Instructor
Athletic Trainer
Certified Athletic Trainer
Personal Trainer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeDesign individualized rehabilitation and conditioning programs integrating assessment findings with evidence-based practices and athlete-specific goals.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate comprehensive documentation of injury evaluations, treatment plans, and progress notes in compliance with regulatory standards and for interdisciplinary communication.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate musculoskeletal injuries and patient compliance with treatment protocols in athletic and clinical settings, using diagnostic criteria and monitoring tools.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform emergency care procedures including splinting, oxygen administration, and defibrillation under time pressure at athletic events, following emergency protocols.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate therapeutic modalities including ultrasound, TENS, and heat/cold therapy equipment during rehabilitative care, selecting appropriate treatment parameters.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with injury prevention strategies when counseling athletes and coaching staff on risk reduction and wellness.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess range of motion, muscle strength, and functional capacity using goniometers, dynamometers, and standardized testing protocols.
Proficient
KnowledgeJustify clinical decisions regarding return-to-play clearance by analyzing injury severity, healing progression, and functional readiness in collaboration with physicians.
Proficient
Hands-onDemonstrate mastery of manual therapy techniques and therapeutic exercise instruction across diverse patient populations, adapting interventions to individual needs.
Proficient
MindsetEngage athletes in shared decision-making and treatment adherence through active listening and social perceptiveness during ongoing care.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Athletic Trainers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
28,950
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $45,380. 25th percentile: U.S. $51,590. 50th percentile: U.S. $60,250. 75th percentile: U.S. $70,880. 90th percentile: U.S. $84,100. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$45,380
10% of workers earn the following or more
$84,100
Workers on average earn
$63,960
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Medicine and Dentistry4.6/5
Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
Psychology4.2/5
Therapy and Counseling3.9/5
English Language3.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
BioEx Systems Exercise Pro
Database software
Digital Coach AthleticTrainer
Email software
ImPACT Applications ImPACT
Injury tracking software
Keffer Development Services Athletic Trainer System ATS
