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1227 25th St. NW, Suite 201, Washington DC 20037
202.333.6250 mckinley-advisors.com
National Athletic Trainers’ Association
2018 Salary Survey Findings
Prepared by
McKinley Advisors
Updated: January 2019
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 2
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction and Methodology ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Respondent Demographics ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Workplace Data ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Salary .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Contract ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Stipend ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Per Diem ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Benefits ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Future Trends .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Salary Data by Segment ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 3
Introduction and Methodology
The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) retained McKinley Advisors (McKinley) to
conduct a salary survey in order to provide an up-to-date look at the athletic trainer field and
provide professionals with important information regarding compensation and benefits.
An electronic survey was deployed to NATA members and non-members. The survey was fielded
for 15 days from October 11, 2018 to October 26, 2018. The survey instrument was distributed to a
total of 33,495 valid email addresses and was completed or partially completed by 4,705 members
for a member response rate of 20 percent and by 339 non-members for a non-member response
rate of 3 percent. NATA’s member response rate is higher than the typical member response rate
McKinley sees (10 percent) and the non-member response rate is on par with what McKinley
typically sees (2-3 percent). Pew Research Center indicates its response rates typically range
between 5 percent and 15 percent, which is comparable for other major opinion polls.1 A referral
campaign was also implemented to increase the reach of the survey resulting in 4,501 additional
responses. The total response count was 9,545, an increase of approximately 800 from 2016.
Total Responses 9,545
Member Response Rate 20 percent
Total Member Responses 4,705
Non-Member Response Rate 3 percent
Total Non-Member Responses 339
Total Referral Responses 4,501
The following report summarizes the findings from the salary survey. Respondents had to be
certified/licensed athletic trainers to participate in the survey. The report summarizes data for
respondents who completed the survey and are employed full-time, unless otherwise noted. The
data presented has been analyzed according to various demographic factors including job setting,
age, gender, ethnicity, and level of education. Data was not included for any demographic segment
with less than 10 respondents.
1 Source: http://www.pewresearch.org/methodology/u-s-survey-research/our-survey-methodology-in-detail/
http://www.pewresearch.org/methodology/u-s-survey-research/our-survey-methodology-in-detail/
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 4
Respondent Demographics
More than half of respondents (56 percent) have held their certification/licensure for less
than 10 years. Thirty-two percent have had a certification/license for between one and five years,
while 24 percent have had a certification/license for between six and 10 years. Another 26 percent
have held a certification/license for between 11 and 20 years, while 18 percent have held one for
more than 20 years.
The majority of respondents (90 percent) are members of NATA, while nine percent have lapsed in
membership and only one percent have never been members of NATA. Of those who are members
of NATA, the vast majority (95 percent) are certified regular members. Three percent are career
starter certified and one percent are certified students.
1%
32%
24%
14%12%
8%10%
Less than 1year
1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 25 25+ years
How long have you held your certification/licensure? (N = 9,245)
95%
3% 1% 0% 0%
Certified Regular Career StarterCertified
Certified Student Unsure Certified Military -Inactive
Please select your membership category. (N = 7,614)
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 5
Almost half of all respondents (49 percent) have held membership in NATA for between one
and 10 years. Another 28 percent of respondents have been members for between 11 and 20
years, while 21 percent have been members for more than 20 years.
Respondents were most likely (17 percent) to work in high schools with an athletic only
appointment. The second and third most popular work settings are a colleges/universities as
NCAA Division I – Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic (13 percent) and as
Faculty/Academic/Research (7 percent). Other popular work settings include: Hospital – Outreach
(7 percent), Clinic -Secondary School Outreach (7 percent), High School – Both Academic and
Athletic (7 percent).
Which of the following best describes your primary work setting?
Work Setting Percentage Count
Secondary School - High School - Athletic only 17% 1449
College/University - NCAA Division I - Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic 13% 1088
College/University - Faculty/Academic/Research 7% 627
Hospital – Outreach 7% 573
Clinic - Secondary School Outreach 7% 557
Secondary School - High School - Both Academic and Athletic 7% 550
College/University - NCAA Division III - Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic 5% 443
College/University - NCAA Division II - Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic 4% 345
Clinic - Outpatient/Ambulatory/Rehabilitation clinic 3% 240
College/University - NAIA - Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic 3% 233
Clinic - Physician owned clinic 3% 232
Other 2% 209
Clinic - Hospital based clinic 2% 203
College/University - Two yr. Institution - Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic 1% 125
Hospital – Orthopedics 1% 116
Clinic - Other Outreach 1% 112
1%
21%
28%
16%
12%
8%7%
5%
1%
Less than1
1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 25 26 - 30 31 - 40 More than40
How many years have you been a member of NATA? (N = 7,634)
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 6
Clinic – Administration 1% 84
Clinic – Other 1% 81
Industrial/Occupational/Corporate - Ergonomics 1% 74
Professional Sports – Baseball 1% 73
Hospital – Administration 1% 68
Military 1% 62
Industrial/Occupational/Corporate - Clinic 1% 61
College/University - NCAA Division III - Split Appointment 1% 60
Industrial/Occupational/Corporate - Other 1% 60
Secondary School - Middle School - Athletic only 1% 56
Secondary School - High School - Academic only 1% 47
College/University - NCAA Division II - Split Appointment 1% 44
Business/Sales/Marketing 0.5% 41
College/University - Campus Health/Recreation 0.5% 41
Hospital – Other 0.5% 40
Industrial/Occupational/Corporate - Health/Wellness/Fitness 0.4% 36
College/University - NAIA - Split Appointment 0.4% 35
College/University - NCAA Division I - Split Appointment 0.4% 33
College/University - Two yr. Institution - Split Appointment 0.4% 31
Professional Sports – Football 0.3% 29
Professional Performing Arts 0.3% 28
Secondary School - Middle School -Both Academic and Athletic 0.3% 27
Amateur/Recreational/Youth Sports 0.3% 25
Health/Fitness/Sports Performance Enhancement Clinic/Club 0.3% 24
Professional Sports – Other 0.3% 24
Professional Sports – Soccer 0.3% 22
College/University - Two yr. Institution - Faculty/Academic/Research 0.2% 21
Professional Sports – Hockey 0.2% 21
Military Academy 0.2% 20
Government 0.2% 14
Professional Sports - Men's Basketball 0.1% 11
College/University - Performing Arts 0.1% 5
Public Safety - Fire Department 0.1% 5
Secondary School - Middle School - Academic only 0.1% 5
Independent Contractor 0.05% 4
Public Safety - Law Enforcement 0.01% 1
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 7
Respondents working in schools, colleges and
universities reported whether the school they work in
was a private or public institution. Sixty-two percent of
respondents work in a public school, college or
university, while 38 percent work in a private school,
college or university.
The majority of respondents (68 percent) reported that
their primary employer is the same as their primary
work setting. Only 32 percent reported that these two
were different.
Respondents who reported that their primary employer was different than their primary work
setting were given the opportunity to describe their primary employer. Almost one quarter of
respondents (23 percent) described their primary employers as hospital – orthopedics, while
another 15 percent reported being employed by hospitals, but in other areas. Many respondents
are also employed by clinics including in secondary school outreach (9 percent), outpatient/
ambulatory/ rehabilitation clinics (8 percent), hospital-based clinics (7 percent) or physician
owned clinics (5 percent).
Which of the following best describes your primary employer?
Primary Employer Percentage Count
Hospital – Orthopedics 23% 599
Hospital – Other 15% 397
Clinic - Secondary School Outreach 9% 231
Clinic - Outpatient/Ambulatory/Rehabilitation clinic 8% 209
Clinic - Hospital based clinic 7% 175
Clinic - Physician owned clinic 5% 138
Hospital – Administration 5% 130
Secondary School - High School 5% 122
Clinic - Other Outreach 4% 104
Clinic – Other 3% 88
38%
62%
Which of the following best describes the school, college or university where
you work? (N = 4,475)
Private
Public
32%
68%
Is your primary employer (the organization or entity that compensates you) different than your primary work setting (the physical setting where you perform
your job)? (N = 8,363)
Yes
No
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 8
Other 3% 77
Independent Contractor 2% 51
Industrial/Occupational/Corporate - Other 1% 36
College/University - NCAA Division I - Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic 1% 34
Industrial/Occupational/Corporate - Ergonomics 1% 28
Health/Fitness/Sports Performance Enhancement Clinic/Club 1% 21
Business/Sales/Marketing 1% 20
Industrial/Occupational/Corporate - Clinic 1% 19
College/University - NCAA Division III - Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic 1% 18
Clinic – Administration 1% 17
College/University - Faculty/Academic/Research 1% 16
College/University - NCAA Division II - Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic 1% 16
Industrial/Occupational/Corporate - Health/Wellness/Fitness 1% 15
Professional Sports – Baseball 0.5% 12
College/University - NAIA - Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic 0.3% 9
College/University - Two yr. Institution - Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic 0.3% 7
Government 0.3% 7
College/University - Campus Health/Recreation 0.2% 6
Military 0.2% 5
College/University - NCAA Division I - Split Appointment 0.2% 4
Professional Sports – Soccer 0.2% 4
Secondary School - Middle School 0.2% 4
Professional Sports – Hockey 0.1% 3
Professional Sports – Other 0.1% 3
Amateur/Recreational/Youth Sports 0.1% 2
College/University - NCAA Division II - Split Appointment 0.1% 2
Military Academy 0.1% 2
College/University - NAIA - Split Appointment 0.0% 1
College/University - NCAA Division III - Split Appointment 0.04% 1
College/University - Two yr. Institution - Faculty/Academic/Research 0.04% 1
Professional Performing Arts 0.04% 1
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 9
One quarter of respondents (24 percent) have more than 1,000 total employees at their
workplace. Nine percent of respondents reported working with between 501 and 1,000 other
employees, while 32 percent work in settings with between 101 and 500 total employees. Thirty-
six percent of respondents work 100 or fewer other employees.
The majority of respondents (64 percent) work with less than 10 other athletic trainers. Nineteen
percent have between 11 and 20 athletic trainers at their workplace, while 17 percent have more
than 20.
11%
7% 7%
11%
14%
9%
5% 4% 5% 4%
24%
1 - 10 11 - 25 26 - 50 51 - 100 101 -200
201 -300
301 -400
401 -500
501 -750
751 -1,000
Morethan1,000
What is the approximate number of total employees at your workplace? (N = 8,239)
15%
30%
19%
12%
7% 7%
3% 2%5%
1 2 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 30 31 - 40 41 - 50 More than50
What is the approximate number of athletic trainers employed at your workplace? (N = 8,288)
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 10
Almost one third of respondents (31 percent) described their primary job title as Athletic
Trainer. Another 40 percent were more specific and reported being Head Athletic Trainer (19
percent), Assistant Athletic Trainer (17 percent), or Associate Athletic Trainer (4 percent).
Which of the following best describes your primary job title?
Primary Job Title Percentage Count
Athletic Trainer 31% 2535
Head Athletic Trainer 19% 1609
Assistant Athletic Trainer 17% 1367
Other 6% 458
Associate Athletic Trainer 4% 307
Director of Sports Medicine 2% 195
Teacher 2% 141
Assistant Professor 2% 140
Clinical Coordinator 1% 115
Manager 1% 104
Director of Athletic Training Services 1% 84
Associate Professor - Program Director 1% 80
Medical Office Staff 1% 80
Graduate Student/Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer 1% 74
Associate Professor 1% 70
Assistant Athletic Director 1% 65
Intern Athletic Trainer 1% 59
Assistant Professor - Program Director 1% 57
Coordinator of Athletic Training Services 1% 54
Clinical Specialist 1% 49
Physical Therapist 1% 49
Lecturer/Instructor 1% 47
Supervisor 1% 47
Associate Athletic Director 1% 46
Administrative Coordinator 0.4% 37
Coordinator of Sports Medicine 0.4% 36
Full Professor - Program Director 0.4% 35
Full Professor 0.4% 34
Outreach Coordinator 0.4% 31
Administrative Director 0.4% 29
Owner/Partner 0.3% 28
Sales/Marketing Professional 0.3% 28
Physical Therapist Assistant 0.3% 27
Clinical Administrator 0.2% 20
Full Professor - Department Chair 0.2% 18
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 11
Which of the following best describes your primary job title? (Continued)
Primary Job Title Percentage Count
Associate Professor - Department Chair 0.2% 17
Athletic Director 0.2% 15
Director of Rehabilitation 0.2% 15
Assistant Professor - Department Chair 0.2% 14
Clinical Director 0.1% 10
Wellness Director 0.1% 9
Outreach Director 0.1% 8
Wellness Coordinator 0.1% 8
Consultant 0.1% 7
Coordinator of Rehabilitation 0.1% 6
Fitness Director 0.1% 6
Educational Consultant 0.05% 4
Fitness Coordinator 0.05% 4
Respondents were most likely to directly report to Athletic Directors (19 percent) or Head Athletic
Trainers (13 percent). Fourteen percent of respondents also report to Directors of Athletic Training
(7 percent) or Sports Medicine Directors (7 percent). Six percent of respondents specified other
positions. Nineteen percent of those that were more specific identified additional Athletic Trainer
positions including those who were Lead Athletic Trainers and Assistant Athletic Trainers.
Fourteen percent reported being an educator as well as an Athletic Trainer. Other titles written in
include Physician Extender (9%), Durable Medical Equipment Coordinator/Specialist (9%), Clinical
Care (6%), Administrator (5%), Injury Prevention Specialist (4%), Assistant Director of Sports
Medicine (3%).
Please indicate the position that you directly report to.
Position Percentage Count
Athletic Director 19% 1529
Head Athletic Trainer 13% 1023
Director of Athletic Training 7% 548
Sports Medicine Director 7% 533
Other, please specify: 6% 502
Clinical Supervisor 6% 498
Clinic Manager 5% 371
Academic Chair/Dean 4% 300
Outreach Coordinator 4% 288
Department Head 3% 227
Physician 3% 211
Program Director 3% 211
Administrator 2% 177
Department Chair 2% 172
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 12
Please indicate the position that you directly report to. (Continued)
Position Percentage Count
Athletic Trainer 2% 158
Physical Therapist 2% 156
Clinic Director 2% 152
Assistant Athletic Director 2% 151
Associate Athletic Director 2% 140
Vice President 1% 104
Administrative Director 1% 98
Principal 1% 83
Regional Director 1% 80
Chief Executive Officer 1% 79
Business Manager 1% 66
Athletic Coordinator 1% 59
Dean 1% 59
Associate Athletic Trainer 1% 50
Assistant Athletic Trainer 0.4% 36
Center Manager 0.4% 34
Head of School/Principal 0.4% 33
Chief Medical Officer 0.2% 18
Assistant Principal 0.2% 17
Campus Coordinator 0.1% 10
Teacher 0.1% 7
More than 60 percent of respondents have worked in their current positions for five years or
less, including 18 percent of whom have been in their current positions for less than a year. Sixteen
percent have been in their current position for between six and 10 years, while 15 percent have
been in the reported position for 11 to 20 years. Only 6 percent have been in their current positions
for more than 20 years.
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 13
Almost one third of respondents (30 percent) also reported working in the athletic training
profession for five years or less. Another quarter of respondents (24 percent) have worked in the
profession for between six and 10 years, 26 percent between 11 and 20 years and 20 percent more
than 20 years.
Respondents were asked to select the major metropolitan area that best represents their place of
employment. Respondents were most likely to be from the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, New York-
Newark-Jersey City, or Philadelphia-Campden-Wilmington areas.
18%
45%
16%
9%6%
3% 2% 1% 0%
Less than1
1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 25 26 - 30 31 - 40 More than40
How many years have you worked in your current position? (N = 7,746)
3%
27%24%
14% 12%8% 6% 5%
1%
Less than1
1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 25 26 - 30 31 - 40 More than40
How many years have you worked in the athletic training profession (including years worked during graduate school)?
(N = 7,745)
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 14
Top 20 Nearest Major Metropolitan Area
Major Metro Area Percentage Count
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Metro Area 3% 215
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA Metro Area 3% 207
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metro Area 3% 176
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Metro Area 2% 160
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metro Area 2% 157
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Metro Area 2% 149
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metro Area 2% 141
None 2% 134
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metro Area 2% 128
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area 2% 128
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Metro Area 2% 116
Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN Metro Area 2% 103
Pittsburgh, PA Metro Area 2% 99
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Metro Area 1% 97
Columbus, OH Metro Area 1% 90
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Metro Area 1% 84
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Metro Area 1% 79
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Metro Area 1% 78
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area 1% 75
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metro Area 1% 74
Raleigh, NC Metro Area 1% 71
Respondents were most likely to be from District Four (21 percent), District Nine (15 percent) or
District Three (14 percent). Respondents were least likely to be from District Ten (4 percent),
District One (5 percent) or District Seven (5 percent).
5%
13%14%
21%
9%7%
5% 6%
15%
4%
One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten
District (N = 7,599)
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 15
Respondents were asked to describe
the area in which they work. Forty-
three percent work in a suburban
area, while 30 percent work in an
urban setting. Twenty-three percent
work in a rural setting.
The majority of respondents hold a Master’s degree (68 percent), while 23 percent hold a
Bachelor’s and eight percent hold a doctorate.
Almost all respondents (99 percent) reported being Certified Athletic Trainers, while the majority
(60 percent) also reported being Licensed Athletic Trainers. Nine percent also reported being
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialists, 7 percent are Corrective Exercise Specialists and 7
percent have a teaching certificate.
0% 0%
23%
68%
8%1%
High school Some college Bachelor'sDegree
Master's Degree Doctorate Other
Please select your highest level of education. (N = 7,724)
23%
43%
30%
percent
Which of the following best describes the area in which you work? (N = 7,737)
Rural
Suburban
Urban
Unsure
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 16
More than 70 percent of respondents holding the ATC (72 percent) or CES (77 percent) credentials
also indicated that their primary job title was Athletic Trainer^. Similarly, more than 60 percent of
those holding the CSCS or DAT credentials also reported that they were Athletic Trainers^.
Credential by Athletic Trainer Job Title
Credential % selecting AT^ as primary job title Sample
Size
ATC (Certified Athletic Trainer) 72% 8,418
CES (Corrective Exercise Specialist) 77% 4,995
CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist) 64% 811
DAT (Doctor of Athletic Training) 63% 753
DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) 59% 622
EdD (Doctor of Education) 77% 599
EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) 71% 513
LAT (Licensed Athletic Trainer) 3% 245
LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) 73% 237
0%0%0%0%0%0%0%0%1%1%1%1%1%2%2%3%3%
6%7%7%9%10%
59%99%
OT (Occupational Therapist)
None of the above
NP (Nurse Practitioner)
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
PA (Physician Assistant)
RN (Registered Nurse)
Paramedic
LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist)
DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy)
PTA (Physical Therapy Assistant)
DAT (Doctor of Athletic Training)
PT (Physical Therapist)
EdD (Doctor of Education)
Personal Trainer
OTC (Orthopedic Technician)
EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)
PhD
PES (Performance Enhancement Specialist)
Teaching Certificate
CES (Corrective Exercise Specialist)
CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist)
Other
LAT (Licensed Athletic Trainer)
ATC (Certified Athletic Trainer)
Which professional credentials do you hold? Select all that apply. (N = 7,745)
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 17
Credential by Athletic Trainer Job Title (Continued)
Credential % selecting AT^ as primary job title Sample
Size
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) 74% 177
NP (Nurse Practitioner) 58% 161
OT (Occupational Therapist) 8% 105
OTC (Orthopedic Technician) 10% 102
PA (Physician Assistant) 50% 80
Paramedic 52% 77
Personal Trainer 10% 48
PES (Performance Enhancement Specialist) 81% 42
PhD 56% 16
PT (Physical Therapist) 18% 11
*Data for the following options are not shown due to low sample sizes: PTA (Physical Therapy Assistant), RN (Registered Nurse), Teaching Certificate, Other, None of the above
^For the purpose of this analysis AT includes the following job titles: Athletic Trainer, Head Athletic Trainer, Assistant Athletic Trainer, Associate Athletic Trainer, Graduate Student/Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer, Intern Athletic Trainer
The majority of respondents (59 percent) are young professionals under the age of 36.
Twenty-three percent are between the ages of 36 and 45, 12 percent are between 46 and 55 and
only 5 percent are older than 55.
The majority of respondents (87 percent) reported a white or Caucasian ethnicity. Additionally, 5
percent are Hispanic or Latino, 3 percent are Black or African American, 2 percent are Asian/Asian
American and 1 percent are American Indian/Alaskan Natives.
59%
23%12%
5% 0% 0%
17 - 35 36 - 45 46 - 55 56 - 65 Older than 65 Prefer not toanswer
Please select your age range. (N = 7,736)
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 18
Fifty-five percent of respondents are female, while 45 percent are male. When comparing females
and males by age, females were much younger. Seventy percent of females were between the ages
of 17 and 35, compared to 47 percent of males.
0%
0%
1%
1%
2%
3%
5%
87%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
Not listed
American Indian/Alaskan Native
Prefer not to answer
Asian/ Asian American
Black or African American (not of Hispanic origin)
Hispanic or Latino
White or Caucasian (not of Hispanic origin)
Please select your ethnicity (N = 7,930)
55%
45%
0.1% 0.3%
Please select your gender. (N = 7,726)
Female Male Not listed Prefer not to answer70%
20%
8%2% 0%
47%
27%17%
8%1%
17 - 35 36 - 45 46 - 55 56 - 65 Olderthan 65
Gender by Age
Female (N = 4,741) Male (N = 3,692)
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 19
Workplace Data
Respondents were asked to report the percentage of their time that they actually spend performing
athletic training work. Seventy percent of respondents spend more than 75 percent of their time on
athletic training work, with 45 percent spending all of their time on athletic training work.
When asked to compare the hours per week respondents are required to work versus how many
hours per week they typically work, the difference is about 11 hours on average. Respondents
reported being required to work approximately 39 hours, but working an average of 50.
Average Hours Required to Work and Hours Typically Worked
Average Required Hours Per Week Average Typical Hours Per Week Average Difference
39 50 11
The majority of respondents (68 percent) do not supervise employees. Less than one third of
respondents reported supervising employees.
29%
7%13%
5%
45%
75% or less 76 - 80% 81 - 90% 91 - 99% 100%
Approximately what percentage of your time in this position is spent performing athletic training work (i.e., all business related to athletic
training such as teaching, clinical work, etc.)? (N = 8,152)
32%
68%
Do you supervise employees? (N = 7,913)
Yes No
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 20
However, of those who supervise employees, 64 percent supervise between one and five
employees. Sixteen percent supervise between six and 10, 8 percent between 11 and 15 and 4
percent between 16 and 20. Only 8 percent supervise more than 20 employees.
The vast majority of respondents (88 percent) are compensated for their athletic training work
with a salary. Eight percent are compensated through contracts, 7 percent through stipends and 4
percent through per diem or PRN. When looking more closely at those who receive compensation
through a contract, stipend, per diem or other means, we find that in many of these cases, these
individuals also receive a salary. More than half (54 percent) of those who receive compensation
through a contract also receive a salary, followed by 45 percent of those who collect per diem
compensation and 40 percent of those holding a contract. Respondents who reported receiving
“other” compensation were the least likely to also collect a salary (21 percent).
Compensation for Athletic Training Work
Compensation Percent Also Receiving Salary
Contract 54%
Stipend 40%
Per diem (or PRN) 45%
Other 21%
64%
16%8% 4% 8%
1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16 - 20 More than 20
How many employees do you supervise? (N = 2,514)
88%
8% 7% 6% 4%
Salary Contract Stipend Other Per diem (or PRN)
How are you compensated for your athletic training work? Select all that apply. (N = 8,110)
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 21
Salary The average national salary for all respondents who are full time, employed
certified/licensed athletic trainers in 2018 was $57,203. This represents a 4 percent increase,
and approximately $2,371, since 2016 when the average national salary was $54,832. This is also
an increase of more than $12,000 since 2008. Respondents were also asked for their typical bonus
award. The overall average for respondents who are full time, employed certified/licensed athletic
trainers in 2018 was $1,160.
Contract Eight percent of respondents reported that
they conduct work through a contract. These
respondents were most likely (58 percent) to
indicate their contract length was 12 months.
Twenty-seven percent reported a 10-month
contract, while 15 percent indicated they hold
contracts that are a different length of time.
Respondents with other contract lengths
reported a wide variety ranging from as short
as three months to as long eight years. The most popular contract lengths, besides those listed
above, were 11 months (19 percent) and 9 months (18 percent). The overall average hourly rate
under contract was $26. Those working a 10-month contract reported a slightly lower hourly rate
with an average of $24 and those with contract lengths other than 10 or 12 months, reported a
higher hourly rate with an average of $31.
Stipend Seven percent of respondents reported that they conduct work through a stipend. These
respondents were asked to include the total amount of that stipend, the total number of months and
total number of hours per month of athletic training work that stipend covers. Total stipends, on
average, are $10,069, cover 9.3 months and 101 hours per month.
Average Stipend Amount, Number of Months and Hours per Month
Average Stipend Amount Average Number of Months Average Number of Hours
per Month
$10,069 9.3 101
$44,235$51,483 $55,036 $54,832
$57,203
2008 2011 2014 2016 2018
Average National Salary
27%
58%
15%
Please indicate the length of your contract. (N = 664)
10-month
12-month
Other
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 22
Per Diem Four percent of respondents reported that they conduct per diem work. These respondents were
most likely to do so in secondary schools (63 percent) and amateur/ recreational/ youth sports (58
percent). Yet, 35 percent perform per diem work in colleges/ universities and 10 percent perform
per diem work in professional sports.
Respondents performing per diem work at colleges/universities, in professional sports or in other
settings not listed, reported the highest hourly rates. Those working in other settings, such as
industrial/occupational settings, hospital-based settings or sports-related camps/clinics, reported
the highest hourly rate of $39 followed by those in professional sports at $32 with those working at
colleges/universities at $30. Those working in health/fitness clinics or clubs earn approximately
$29 for their per diem work while those in amateur/recreational/youth sports and those working
in secondary schools report an average hourly rate of $28.
Please enter the average hourly rate you receive for your per diem work in each of the following settings.
Work Setting Average Hourly Rate Count
Other $39 25
Professional Sports $32 31
College/University $30 120
Health/Fitness/Sports Performance Enhancement Clinic/Club $29 22
Amateur/Recreational/Youth Sports $28 203
Secondary School $28 221
*Per diem hourly rate data for the following settings are not shown due to low sample size: Professional
Performing Arts
1%
6%
7%
10%
35%
58%
63%
Professional Performing Arts
Health/Fitness/Sports Performance EnhancementClinic/Club
Other
Professional Sports
College/University
Amateur/Recreational/Youth Sports
Secondary School
In which settings do you perform per diem (or PRN) work? (N =250 )
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 23
Respondents performing per diem work were asked if they incurred any additional expenses that
were not accounted for in their average hourly rate or covered by a client. Forty-two percent of
respondents purchase liability insurance, 37 percent pay for accommodations related to travel and
23 percent make medical supply purchases.
Benefits Respondents were most likely (70 percent) to report an average annual salary increase of less than
four percent. Fourteen percent receive a 1 percent increase, 34 percent a 2 percent increase and 22
percent a 3 percent increase. One fifth of respondents reported that they do not receive any annual
salary increase. Additionally, out of all respondents, 17 percent were unsure what, if any, annual
salary increase they receive.
42%
37%
23%
5%
Liability insurance Accommodationsrelated to travel
Medical supplypurchases
Other
Do you incur any of the following additional expenses related to per diem work that are NOT accounted for in your average hourly rate or covered
by the client? Select all that apply. (N = 350)
21%
14%
34%
22%
2% 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%4%
None 1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 6% 7% 8% 9% 10% Other
What is your average annual salary increase at your current employer? (N = 6,533)
Unsure removed
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 24
More than 80 percent of respondents reported receiving basic benefits, including medical insurance
(95 percent), dental insurance (88 percent) and access to a retirement plan (86 percent). More than
three-fourths of respondents reported receiving vision insurance (79 percent) and a continuing
education allowance or reimbursement (75 percent). Seventy percent also received paid time off
(PTO). Respondents were least likely to receive local transportation subsidies (10 percent) or
bonuses (18 percent). Although 46 percent of all respondents reported maternity leave, when
looking more specifically at females, this increases to 55 percent. Similarly, 23 percent of all
respondents reported paternity leave, but when looking more specifically at males, this increase to
32 percent.
When it comes to Paid Time Off (PTO), respondents reported having the greatest number of
vacation days, followed by sick leave and finally paid holidays. Respondents reported receiving on
average 16 vacation days, nine sick days and six paid holidays. In order to account for flexible leave
1%
5%
10%
18%
23%
30%
44%
44%
45%
46%
50%
54%
70%
75%
79%
86%
88%
95%
None of the above
Other
Local transportation subsidy
Bonus eligibility
Paternity leave
Flexible work schedule
Membership in professional group
Professional liability insurance
Education/tuition assistance
Maternity leave
FSA (Flexible spending account)
HSA (Health savings account)
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Continuing education allowance/reimbursement
Vision insurance
Retirement plan
Dental insurance
Medical insurance
Please select the benefits your employer offers. Select all that apply. (N = 7,926)
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 25
policies respondents were asked to enter “365” if they received unlimited PTO in the same areas.
Five percent of respondents reported unlimited paid holidays, 6 percent reported unlimited sick
days and 4 percent reported unlimited vacation days. Respondents were also given an opportunity
to explain any restrictions to their paid time off. One quarter (26 percent) reported no restrictions
on their paid time off, while another quarter (25 percent) reported that PTO may only be used
during specific seasons or months when sports are not active. Eight percent of respondents also
indicated that they would need to find coverage before taking time off and 6 percent reported that
their employers encourage them not to take time off during specific seasons or months despite
there being no official policy.
Average Amount of Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays Sick Days Vacation Days
6 9 16
Future Trends
Respondents are optimistic about the
future of their compensation from
athletic training work. Sixty-seven
percent of respondents expect their
income to increase over the next three
years. Thirty-two percent expect it to stay
the same and only 1 percent expect their
income to decrease during that time
period.
When asked what strategies respondents have used to advocate for increased compensation, half
reported they use the NATA survey. Nineteen percent use the NATA Value model, while 10 percent
use the NATA Position Improvement Guide. Finally, 8 percent use the ROI Report and only 5
percent use union support. Twenty percent reported using other strategies effectively including
other survey or report data, demonstrations of merit and performance and changing positions,
contract lengths or receiving promotions.
5%
8%
10%
19%
20%
50%
Union support
ROI Report
NATA Position Improvement Guide
NATA Value Model
Other
Previous NATA Survey
Which of the following strategies have you used to effectively advocate for increased compensation over the past 3 years? (N = 7,866)
67%
32%
percent
Do you expect your compensation from athletic training to increase, decrease or stay the same over the next 3 years? (N = 7,843)
Increase
Stay the same
Decrease
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 26
Top challenges for the next three to five years include work life balance, lack of public
understanding of the role of athletic trainers and third-party reimbursement. More than half of
respondents reported that achieving work life balance (57 percent) and the lack of public
understanding of the profession (54 percent) is going to be a major challenge. Slightly less than half
reported third-party reimbursement would be a major challenge as well. Lack of diversity in the
profession (64 percent) and the increasing focus on team-based care (57 percent) were not
reported as challenges athletic trainers are expecting to impact their work over the next three to
five years.
13%
15%
21%
32%
37%
47%
54%
57%
23%
28%
34%
27%
32%
22%
28%
24%
64%
57%
44%
41%
31%
31%
18%
19%
Lack of diversity in the profession
Increasing focus on team-based care
Keeping up with the speed of new developmentsin the field
Increasing education requirements
Expanding the scope of practice for ATs
Third party reimbursement
Lack of public understanding of the role ofathletic trainers
Achieving or maintaining work life balance
How much of a challenge will the following trends and issues present to you in the next 3 – 5 years? (N = 7,263)
Unsure removed
Major challenge (4 or 5) Minor challenge (3) Not a challenge (1 or 2)
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 27
Salary Data by Segment
As mentioned earlier, the average national salary for all respondents who are full time, employed
certified/licensed athletic trainers in 2018 was $57,203, which represents a 4 percent increase
since 2016.The following section shows average salary by various demographic and work place
factors.
Average salaries for various job settings ranged from $45,786 for athletic trainers in clinics –
secondary school outreach to $126,447 for athletic trainers working in professional sports –
football. Looking at salaries by job setting revealed that professional sports athletic trainers,
specifically those in football and men’s basketball, as well as hospital administrators reported the
highest salaries, all more than $100,000. Of the five most prominent job settings, high school
athletic only appointments, college/university – NCAA Division I – professional
staff/athletics/clinic, college/university – faculty/academic/research, hospital – outreach and
clinical – secondary school outreach, those working in colleges or universities as faculty or research
reported the highest salary at an average of $73,540.
Average Salary by Job Setting
Job Setting Average Salary Count
Professional Sports - Football $126,447 19
Professional Sports - Men's Basketball $103,700 10
Hospital - Administration $102,856 60
Health/Fitness/Sports Performance Enhancement Clinic/Club $85,698 18
Business/Sales/Marketing $73,782 33
College/University - Faculty/Academic/Research $73,540 571
Clinic - Administration $72,369 79
Professional Sports - Baseball $72,110 59
Professional Performing Arts $70,263 25
Professional Sports - Other $70,250 20
Hospital - Other $70,083 24
Government $69,894 11
Secondary School - Middle School -Both Academic and Athletic $66,312 16
Military Academy $66,217 17
College/University - Two yr. Institution - Faculty/Academic/Research $65,983 16
College/University - Two yr. Institution - Split Appointment $63,846 29
Secondary School - High School - Academic only $62,345 24
Other $62,069 154
Hospital - Orthopedics $61,414 79
Industrial/Occupational/Corporate - Other $61,325 45
College/University - Two yr. Institution - Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic $59,911 110
Amateur/Recreational/Youth Sports $59,667 22
Military $59,389 51
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 28
Average Salary by Job Setting (Continued)
Job Setting Average Salary Count
Professional Sports - Soccer $59,305 21
Clinic - Hospital based clinic $59,268 158
Clinic - Other $59,257 55
College/University - NCAA Division III - Split Appointment $58,841 57
Clinic - Outpatient/Ambulatory/Rehabilitation clinic $58,816 174
Secondary School - High School - Both Academic and Athletic $58,603 368
Professional Sports - Hockey $57,906 17
College/University - NCAA Division I - Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic $57,656 964
Industrial/Occupational/Corporate - Ergonomics $56,841 60
College/University - NCAA Division I - Split Appointment $56,813 26
Industrial/Occupational/Corporate - Clinic $56,037 50
College/University - NCAA Division II - Split Appointment $55,909 44
Industrial/Occupational/Corporate - Health/Wellness/Fitness $55,537 29
Secondary School - Middle School - Athletic only $54,190 47
Clinic - Physician owned clinic $53,712 175
Secondary School - High School - Athletic only $52,868 1222
Hospital - Outreach $52,496 470
College/University - NCAA Division II - Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic $49,833 316
College/University - NCAA Division III - Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic $49,478 420
College/University - Campus Health/Recreation $49,335 37
College/University - NAIA - Split Appointment $49,033 32
Clinic - Other Outreach $48,969 89
College/University - NAIA - Professional Staff/Athletics/Clinic $45,993 205
Clinic - Secondary School Outreach $45,786 454 *Salary data for the following job settings are not shown due to low sample size: College/University – Performing Arts, Independent Contractor, Public Safety – Fire Department, Public Safety – Law Enforcement, Secondary School – Middle School – Academic only
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 29
As in previous years, athletic trainers who hold a master’s or doctoral degree earn more, on
average, than those holding a bachelor’s degree. Despite earning the least, athletic trainers holding
a bachelor’s degree saw the greatest increase in salary from 2016, tightening the gap in salary
between those with a bachelor’s degree and those with a master’s degree by about $1,800.
As expected, athletic trainers reported earning more as their years of experience increase.
Respondents in the middle of their careers (11–15 years of experience) saw more than a
$3,600 increase in average salary. This was the greatest increase of any experience group. On
average, there is a 13 percent increase in salary every five years, with the largest increase for those
moving from between one and five years of experience to between six and 10 years. Despite an
overall average increase in salary, starting salaries for those with less than one year of experience
have remained flat since 2014.
Average Salary by Years of Experience
Years of Experience 2008 2011 2014 2016 2018
Less than 1 $29,749 $34,623 $38,214 $38,825 $38,651
1 - 5 $34,436 $37,106 $41,568 $42,320 $44,400
6 - 10 $41,677 $44,505 $49,204 $48,786 $52,099
11 - 15 $49,238 $54,012 $60,329 $56,020 $59,635
16 - 20 $53,498 $62,143 $66,860 $65,752 $65,338
21 - 25 $59,688 $66,030 $66,626 $71,005 $71,833
25+ $63,409 $75,202 $82,180 $79,191 $79,558
$39,096$46,176
$49,719 $48,498$52,010
$44,707$51,144 $54,660
$54,695 $56,347
$65,333
$76,262$80,011 $81,921 $79,418
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$70,000
$80,000
$90,000
2008 2011 2014 2016 2018
*Salary data for the following education levels are not shown due to low sample size: high school, some college
Average Salary By Degree Level
Bachelor's Master's Doctorate
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 30
As with years of experience, respondents reported earning more as their NATA membership tenure
increased. The average salary for those with less than one year of membership tenure and those
with between one and five years of membership tenure was essentially unchanged. However, the
largest percentage increase in salary was for those moving from between one and five years of
tenure to between six and 10 years of tenure.
Average Salary by Years as NATA Member
Years as NATA Member Average Salary Count
Less than 1 $42,285 29
1 - 5 $42,539 1206
6 - 10 $50,140 1829
11 - 15 $57,807 1080
16 - 20 $66,517 824
21 - 25 $70,509 557
25+ years $79,709 863
Interestingly, members of NATA were likely to make a higher salary than non-members at almost
every level of experience. Initially, non-members see a slightly higher salary than members, but this
flattens out within the first five years where members and non-members make essentially the same
salary. After that, salaries for NATA members are consistently higher and reach an average of
$80,059 for those with 25 or more years of experience, compared to just $62,113 for non-members
with similar experience.
Average Salary by Years of Experience and Membership Status
Years of Experience Average Members' Salaries Average Non-Members' Salaries
Less than 1 $38,302 $42,545
1 - 5 $44,358 $44,763
6 - 10 $52,414 $49,545
11 - 15 $60,381 $52,850
16 - 20 $65,562 $61,141
21 - 25 $72,247 $63,794
25+ years $80,059 $62,113
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 31
District Eight continues to report earning the highest average salary, followed by District Six
and District Two. All three of these districts are above the national average of $57,203, with
District Eight reporting an average salary approximately 15 percent higher. District Eight and
District Ten were the two districts to see the greatest salary increases from 2016 as well, with
increases of over $5,000 and over $4,500, respectively. Alternatively, District Five, District Nine and
District Three reported the lowest average salaries.
Average Salary by District
District Average Salary Count
District One $56,191 379
District Two $60,541 872
District Three $55,426 894
District Four $55,832 1384
District Five $52,730 617
District Six $61,982 484
District Seven $58,033 326
District Eight $67,088 368
District Nine $53,977 1019
District Ten $55,525 264
District Eight, District Six and District Two remained the top earning districts for NATA members.
However, when looking at non-member’s salaries within each district, District Seven, District Six
and District Nine were the highest earning districts. As seen previously though, salaries for NATA
members were higher in all districts than those for non-members.
Average Salary by District and Membership Status
District Average Members' Salaries Average Non-Members' Salaries
District One $56,817 $49,402
District Two $61,234 $50,444
District Three $55,870 $49,763
District Four $56,864 $48,412
District Five $53,143 $45,186
District Six $62,727 $55,055
District Seven $58,197 $55,869
District Eight $67,660 $48,511
District Nine $54,083 $53,137
District Ten $55,708 * *Salary data for the following districts are not shown due to low sample size: D10 non-members
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 32
Below are the average annual salaries based on major metropolitan area for the top 20 cities.
Salaries ranged from $47,986 in St. Louis to $72,413 in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim.
Average Salary by Major Metro Area
Major Metro Area Average Salary Count
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Metro Area $72,413 101
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metro Area $68,187 124
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA Metro Area $68,013 190
Columbus, OH Metro Area $64,511 80
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metro Area $64,105 144
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI Metro Area $61,193 61
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Metro Area $60,987 130
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metro Area $59,125 119
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metro Area $59,098 161
Pittsburgh, PA Metro Area $59,041 88
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Metro Area $58,753 186
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Metro Area $57,157 60
Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN Metro Area $56,825 81
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Metro Area $56,370 69
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Metro Area $54,546 73
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Metro Area $54,339 61
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Metro Area $53,694 72
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Metro Area $53,006 136
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area $52,338 99
St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area $47,986 66
As in previous years, young professionals (ages 35 and under) make up a majority of survey
respondents and earn approximately 43 percent less ($48,592) than those over the age of 35
($69,549).
Average Salary by Age
Age Average Salary Count
17 - 35 $48,592 3916
36 and older $69,549 2783
36 - 45 $64,865 1632
46 - 55 $73,306 826
56 - 65 $84,089 303
Older than 65 $75,704 22
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 33
Female athletic trainers continue to earn less than their male counterparts. However, the gap is
closing as female athletic trainer’s salaries increased over $3,000 while male athletic trainer’s
salaries only increased approximately $1,800. The average female salary increased to $53,240,
while male salaries increased to $62,008.
Average Salary by Gender
2011 2014 2016 2018
Female $42,676 $50,146 $50,091 $53,240
Male $54,925 $59,546 $60,180 $62,008
Overall, female athletic trainers were younger (69 percent 35 or younger compared to 46 percent of
males), have shorter tenures in the field (37 percent less than five years compared to 23 percent
less than five years for males), and were less likely to supervise employees (25 percent compared
to 41 percent of males).
However, when taking a closer look at salaries by years of experience, age and those who supervise
employees, we find that males out earn females in every match up. Young males earn more than
young females, less experienced males earn more than less experienced females and males that
don’t supervise employees earn more than females who don’t supervise employees. On average,
males still earn approximately than $8,700 more than females.
69%
21%8% 2% 0%
46%
28%18%
8% 1%
17 - 35 36 - 45 46 - 55 56 - 65 Older than65
Age by Gender
Female (N = 4,250) Male (N = 3,436)
4%
33%27%
14%10%
5% 6%2%
21% 20%14% 14% 12%
17%
Less than 1 1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 25 25+ years
Years of Experience by Gender
Female (N = 4,243) Male (N = 3,433)
75%
25%
59%41%
No Yes
Supervising Employees by Gender
Female (N = 4,142) Male (N = 3,289)
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 34
Average Salary by Years of Experience and Gender
Years of Experience
Female Male Difference
Less than 1 $37,836 $40,343 $2,507
1 - 5 $44,441 $44,324 -$117
6 - 10 $51,886 $52,552 $667
11 - 15 $57,099 $62,684 $5,585
16 - 20 $61,975 $68,446 $6,471
21 - 25 $66,970 $74,493 $7,523
25+ years $73,731 $82,447 $8,716
Average Salary by Supervising Employees and Gender
Supervising Employees
Female Male Difference
No $50,423 $53,957 $3,534
Yes $59,854 $72,202 $12,349
Average Salary by Age and Gender
Age Female Male Difference
17 - 35 $48,234 $49,178 $944
35+ years old $64,498 $72,933 $8,435
36 - 45 $61,342 $67,905 $6,563
46 - 55 $69,122 $75,484 $6,362
56 - 65 $77,961 $86,210 $8,249
Older than 65 * $74,617 *Salary data for the following options are not shown due to low sample size: Female older than 65
In 2018, the majority of respondents were White or Caucasian and reported having an average
salary of $57,092. Hispanic or Latino respondents comprised 5 percent of respondents and
reported an average salary of $55,420.
Average Salary by Ethnicity
Ethnicity Average Salary Count
American Indian / Alaskan Native $51,120 60
Asian / Asian American $60,220 185
Black or African American (not of Hispanic origin) $53,600 231
Hispanic or Latino $55,420 370
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander $73,582 15
White or Caucasian (not of Hispanic origin) $57,092 6921
Not listed $71,511 38
Prefer not to answer $59,865 110
As in previous years, those with supervising responsibilities make higher salaries than those
without. On average, those who supervise employees make 30 percent more than those who do not
supervise employees. Additionally, as athletic trainers supervise more employees, their salary
increases by approximately 10 percent per every five employees.
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 35
Average Salary by Number of Employees Supervised
Number of Employees Supervised Average Salary Count
0 $51,645 4456
1 – 5 $61,770 1462
6 – 10 $69,445 380
11 – 15 $72,855 182
16 – 20 $83,092 82
More than 10 $82,562 450
More than 15 $89,155 268
More than 20 $91,827 186
Respondents were also asked about the credentials that they held. Licensed physical therapists
reported the highest average salary at $108,237 for PTs and $95,195 for DPTs. Those holding other
doctoral degrees, specifically PhDs and EdDs also reported higher salaries at $81,628 and $77,221, respectively. Respondents were most likely to report holding the ATC and, on average, these
individuals make $57,276. The second most held credential was the LAT and these individuals
make, on average, $54,442.
Average Salary by Credentials
Credentials Average Salary Count
PT (Physical Therapist) $108,237 92
DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) $95,195 43
PhD $81,628 241
EdD (Doctor of Education) $77,221 99
CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist) $63,908 704
Teaching Certificate $63,781 532
PTA (Physical Therapy Assistant) $62,387 68
EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) $62,234 218
PES (Performance Enhancement Specialist) $61,527 492
DAT (Doctor of Athletic Training) $61,240 75
CES (Corrective Exercise Specialist) $61,201 564
Other $59,601 750
OTC (Orthopedic Technician) $58,804 157
ATC (Certified Athletic Trainer) $57,276 7676
Paramedic $56,362 15
LAT (Licensed Athletic Trainer) $54,442 4597
Personal Trainer $53,514 153
LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) $50,765 31 *Salary data for the following options are not shown due to low sample size: LPN (Licensed
Practical Nurse), NP (Nurse Practitioner), OT (Occupational Therapist), PA (Physician
Assistant), RN (Registered Nurse), None of the above
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NATA 2018 SALARY SURVEY FINDINGS | MCKINLEY ADVISORS 36
When comparing the tenure in the field of Physical Therapists and those holding a Doctor of
Physical Therapy, PT’s have much longer tenure. Half of PTs (50 percent) have been in the athletic
training field for more than 20 years compared to less than 20 percent of DPTs. Similarly, 35
percent of DPTs have been in the field for less than five years compared to 17 percent of PTs.
2%
16%
9%12% 12%
15% 13%17%
6%10%
25% 25%
6%
15%
8% 6%4%
0%
Less than1
1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 25 26 - 30 31 - 40 More than40
Tenure in the Field: PT vs. DPT
PT (N = 103) DPT (N = 48)
top related