Keywords
Association for Athletic Training Education 2025 Symposium
Abstract
Introduction: Job satisfaction among athletic trainers (ATs), particularly in relation to compensation, is a critical factor influencing retention and career fulfillment. Examining the factors linked to earnings satisfaction may offer insight into how workplace conditions can be improved to better support ATs. The purpose of our study was to investigate the attributes that distinguish ATs content with their compensation from those who are dissatisfied. Methods: We used a cross-sectional, web-based survey to gather AT compensation data, of which 1,887 participants responded to a question regarding their satisfaction with compensation. Respondents were divided into two groups based on their satisfaction with compensation: those satisfied and those dissatisfied. Those who indicated neither, were excluded form the analysis. The analysis focused on differences in factors such as age, years of experience, salary, debt-to-income ratio, education level, and employment setting. One-way ANOVAs and Chi-Square tests were used to identify significant distinctions (p<0.05) between the groups. This study was deemed exempt by Indiana State University’s Institutional Review Board. Results: We discovered several notable differences between satisfied and dissatisfied ATs. ATs satisfied with their compensation were older on average (40.5 years vs. 37.7 years, p<0.001) with more professional experience (17.0 years vs. 14.3 years, p<0.001). Their gross annual earnings were significantly higher, averaging $80,704 compared to $65,577 for dissatisfied respondents (p<0.001). Primary employer salaries also differed, with satisfied ATs earning $73,565 versus $59,666 (p<0.001). Debt-to-income ratios were lower among satisfied ATs (40.7% vs. 46.2%, p<0.001). Additionally, career stability further differentiated groups. Among satisfied ATs, 67.7% indicated no intent to leave their roles, compared to 73% of dissatisfied ATs who had considered leaving (p<0.001). Employment settings also varied; more satisfied ATs worked in secondary schools (52.0%) compared to dissatisfied ATs (41.2%). Other demographic factors, such as gender identity and ethnicity, showed no significant differences; most respondents identified as women (54.0% and 53.0%, respectively) and White (84.0% and 85.9%, respectively) (Table). Translation to Practice: Our findings provide insight into the factors influencing compensation satisfaction among ATs, offering opportunities for educators to better prepare students entering the workforce. Academic programs should incorporate training on negotiation skills, enabling students to advocate effectively for competitive salaries and benefits. Curriculum enhancements can include workshops on understanding compensation structures, evaluating job offers, and recognizing the long-term impact of debt-to-income ratios on career and compensation satisfaction. Educators can also emphasize job market trends, helping students set realistic expectations based on their chosen employment settings. Secondary school environments, which demonstrated higher satisfaction levels, may provide case studies or models for effective work practices and compensation structures that students can aspire to replicate in their own careers. By addressing these gaps early, academic programs can better equip future ATs to enter the workforce with confidence, negotiate for fair compensation, and navigate their career paths effectively. Education on this topic shouldn’t end with professional level students. It must continue over the course of an ATs careerspan. Professional and post-professional educators are uniquely positioned to support this continued development through preceptor training and continuing education programming for practicing ATs.
Recommended Citation
Mair, K EF; Young, J P.; and Eberman, L E.
(2025)
"Characteristics of Athletic Trainers That Are Satisfied and Dissatisfied with their Compensation,"
Clinical Practice in Athletic Training: Vol. 8:
Iss.
1, Article 12.
Available at:
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/clinat/vol8/iss1/12
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