Career Outlook
The employment of athletic trainers is projected to grow 16 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Demand for athletic trainers is expected to increase as people become more aware of the effects of sports-related injuries and as the middle-aged and the older population remains active. The effects of concussions are particularly severe and long-lasting for child athletes. Although concussions are dangerous at any age, children’s brains are still developing and risk permanent complications. Some states require public secondary schools to employ athletic trainers as part of their sports programs. Because athletic trainers are usually onsite with athletes and are often the first responders when injuries occur, the demand for trainers in schools should continue to increase.
Sophisticated treatments in injury prevention and detection are projected to increase the demand for athletic trainers. Growth in an increasingly active middle-aged and older population will likely lead to an increased incidence of athletic-related injuries, such as sprains. Sports programs at all ages and for all experience levels will continue to create demand for athletic trainers.
Insurance and workers’ compensation costs have become a concern for many employers and insurance companies, especially in areas where employees are often injured on the job. For example, military bases hire athletic trainers to help train and rehabilitate injured military personnel. These trainers also create programs aimed at keeping injury rates down. Depending on the state, some insurance companies recognize athletic trainers as healthcare providers and reimburse the cost of an athletic trainer’s services.
The median annual wage for fitness trainers and instructors was $45,380 in May 2022.
