Application Fee
$150Verified by CA Board of Healthcare
Athletic Trainer Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for athletic trainer in California, including $150 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
Renewal al Period: AnnuallyLicensing Blueprint for Athletic Trainer in California
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 2
Fees: Application: $150.
- 3
Examination Frequency: Upon request.
- 4
Exam Locations: Contact Athletic Commission.
- 5
Experience Requirement: N/A.
- 6
Average Time to Process Application: 30 days.
- 7
Renewal Period: Annually.
Exam and processing details
- Frequency
- Upon request. Locations: Contact Athletic Commission. Experience
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $150 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs • Athletic Commission
- Current Filing Fee
$150
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al Period: Annually
- Salary Position
$74,150 median (23% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#2 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Athletic Trainer licensure.
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Experience Requirement: N/A.).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: Upon request. Locations: Contact Athletic Commission. Experience.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application: $150.; Average Time to Process Application: 30 days.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Application: $150).
- 7. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Athletic Commission and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al Period: Annually).
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $74,150, Athletic Trainers in California earn 23% above the national median of $60,250. California ranks #2 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$74,150Hourly estimate
$35.6523% above national median
Difference: +$13,900
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationAthletic Trainer Salary Ranking
#2 of 50 statesfor Athletic Trainer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New Jersey | $77,350 |
| #2 | California | $74,150 |
| #3 | Hawaii | $70,930 |
| #4 | Connecticut | $67,090 |
| #5 | Texas | $66,430 |
Nearby States Comparison
Athletic Trainer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $74,150 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Oregon | $57,420 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $57,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $58,270 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Consumer Affairs • Athletic Commission
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 2010, Sacramento, CA, 95815
Phone: 9162632195
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $77,640 | Varies by state board | 1-2 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | 1-12 months |
| Audiologist | $123,600 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Cardiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | 1-2 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Athletic Trainer in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Athletic Trainer salary in California?
The median annual salary for Athletic Trainers in California is $74,150. Salaries range from $50,860 (10th percentile) to $101,070 (90th percentile).
How does the Athletic Trainer salary in California compare to the national average?
Athletic Trainers in California earn 23% above the national median of $60,250, with a state median of $74,150.
How many Athletic Trainers work in California?
California employs approximately 1,760 Athletic Trainers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Athletic Trainer license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Athletic Trainers in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Athletic Commission. Review agency details at https://www.dca.ca.gov/csac/.
How often do you renew a Athletic Trainer license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al Period: Annually.