Keywords
Association for Athletic Training Education 2025 Symposium
Abstract
Introduction: Athletic trainers (ATs) are integral to healthcare yet face ongoing challenges that affect job satisfaction and retention. Factors such as long work hours, low pay, and work-family conflict contribute to dissatisfaction and a desire to leave the profession. Salary disparities and lack of administrative support are key factors impacting professional fulfillment and career longevity. Identifying how compensation influences job satisfaction is essential for improving retention and advancing the profession. Our study aimed to examine the compensation characteristics of ATs and determine the key factors that predict gross income. Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted. The survey was validated using a content validity indexing process (S-CVI = 0.93). Participants were recruited through publicly available databases, member organization platforms, private internal networks, and social media. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic information for gross income, supplemental income, and debt-to-income ratio across multiple variables. A multiple linear regression was employed to assess the predictors of gross income, with the "Enter" method applied to assess all variables simultaneously. This study was deemed exempt by Indiana State University’s Institutional Review Board. Results: A total of 2,581 eligible participants completed the survey. The average age of participants was 40 years (SD = 11.1), with 82% identifying as white or Caucasian and 54% as female. On average, participants had 16 years of experience (SD = 10.5), and 45.5% worked in secondary schools. Participant characteristics are detailed in the table. The strongest predictive model for gross income included the following factors: age, gender identity, years of experience, degree level, primary practice setting, employment status, contract length, geographic location, primary employer salary, and supplemental income (r = 0.959, R2 = 0.919, p < 0.001). Excluding income-related factors weakened the model significantly (r = 0.432, R2 = 0.187, p = 0.918), suggesting that primary employer salary (r = 0.873) and supplemental income (r = 0.420) are the strongest and most significant predictors of income. Translation to Practice: The results of this study offer guidance for athletic training educators working with students and clinicians. Understanding how salary and supplemental income influence career satisfaction can better prepare students to make informed decisions about their professional lives. Educators should incorporate these findings into curricula by addressing salary negotiation and compensation structures. Activities such as salary negotiation role-play, discussions with experienced professionals, and case studies on income disparities can help students recognize the factors that influence their earnings. For post-professional students and practicing clinicians, educators can offer workshops on career advancement, salary negotiations, and maximizing supplemental income to enhance their gross annual income. Educators can also facilitate mentorship programs that connect students with experienced clinicians to discuss career planning and strategies for managing compensation and work-life integration. Incorporating administrative support and organizational structures into educational frameworks is critical, as these factors significantly affect job satisfaction and retention. Educators can encourage students to seek employers who offer resources and support conducive to long-term career success. By implementing these strategies, educators can help students and clinicians navigate compensation discussions and ultimately improve retention in the profession.
Recommended Citation
Young, J P.; Mair, K EF; and Eberman, L E.
(2025)
"Athletic Trainer Compensation Characteristics,"
Clinical Practice in Athletic Training: Vol. 8:
Iss.
1, Article 9.
Available at:
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/clinat/vol8/iss1/9
Included in
Biology Commons, Body Regions Commons, Diagnosis Commons, Exercise Physiology Commons, Exercise Science Commons, Health and Physical Education Commons, Investigative Techniques Commons, Kinesiotherapy Commons, Medical Physiology Commons, Movement and Mind-Body Therapies Commons, Musculoskeletal, Neural, and Ocular Physiology Commons, Musculoskeletal System Commons, Occupational Therapy Commons, Other Kinesiology Commons, Other Physiology Commons, Other Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons, Physical Therapy Commons, Physiological Processes Commons, Physiotherapy Commons, Recreational Therapy Commons, Research Methods in Life Sciences Commons, Sports Sciences Commons, Therapeutics Commons, Tissues Commons
