Every year we look at the data behind our pay scales, the markets we are watching, and the trends that shaped compensation for Athletic Trainers in the regions we staff. And we publish what we find. 

This is the 2025 edition, informing the pay decisions we are carrying into 2026.

We do this work for the same reason we’ve always done it. Knowing your worth is part of your job. Making sure you are paid like the licensed healthcare professional you are is part of ours.

We have come down from the high of job openings in January 2022 of nearly 12 million jobs, where that number represented double the amount of openings as there were unemployed people (5M). Whereas, in 2023, the numbers were about equal, at approximately 9M apiece. This year we see a slight skew in favor of job openings (8.9M) over unemployed persons (6.5M), suggesting that those looking for work are still in the better position.

Thankfully, after several years of rampant inflation that led to massive increases in cost of living, we see the first year where these numbers have moderated. Specifically, only a 3.2 % COLA adjustment for 2024, with most of the regions we staff in following a similar trend: San Diego = 3.8%, Napa = 2.4%, Sacramento = 2.9% and OC/LA = 3.4%.

Today, we’re discussing the relevance of performing market research and a competitive analysis for your business. Doing both can help you determine the viability of your business and give you a competitive advantage. When starting a business, you have to weigh the factors. What type of time, energy, and money will it cost you? What will it afford you?