Also called: Certified Athletic Trainer, ATC
A healthcare professional who prevents, evaluates, and treats injuries for athletes and active people.
An athletic trainer tapes ankles before practice, runs onto the field when someone goes down, and builds rehab plans for injured players. They work at high schools, colleges, pro teams, and also in hospitals, the military, and even with performing artists. Game nights mean long hours.
BLS May 2024. Pro and college head athletic trainers earn more.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's degree from an accredited athletic training program (now required) plus BOC certification and state license.
Ways in: Graduate school, Certification. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Athletic Training, Kinesiology, Exercise Science.
Growing much faster than average (about 11% over 10 years). BLS projects much-faster-than-average growth, 2024-34.
Low risk for 10 years. AI helps track injuries and paperwork; hands-on care, taping and emergency response on the field stay human.
Classes: Anatomy and physiology, Sports medicine CTE, Health science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-9091.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.