Sports Coach / Athletic Trainer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$50,000
national median salary
$36,000 to $70,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$70,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$52,000
New York, NY
Lowest Paying
$38,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Sports Coach / Athletic Trainer salary in the United States is $50,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $36,000 at the 25th percentile to $70,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $70,000, while New York offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Employment setting and sport level create the most variation.
Sports Coach / Athletic Trainer salary by city
Skills that increase Sports Coach / Athletic Trainer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Sports Coach / Athletic Trainers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $7,000 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$7,000 per year
≈ +$6,500 per year
≈ +$6,000 per year
≈ +$5,500 per year
≈ +$5,500 per year
≈ +$5,000 per year
≈ +$5,000 per year
≈ +$4,500 per year
What you should know
Employment setting and sport level create the most variation. NCAA Division I coaches and trainers at professional sports organizations earn multiples of what high school or community positions pay. Specialized certifications like CSCS or BOC-ATC and geographic market also influence compensation significantly.
Entry-level assistant coaches or trainers start at $30,000 to $36,000 at the high school or small college level. Mid-career professionals at Division II or III programs earn $45,000 to $60,000. Head coaches and head athletic trainers at Division I programs make $65,000 to $100,000 or more.
College coaches often receive supplemental income from camps, media appearances, and apparel deals adding 10 to 30% of base. Athletic trainers receive continuing education stipends, professional development funding, and equipment allowances worth $2,000 to $5,000 annually.