Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Athletic Trainer Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for athletic trainer in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Athletic Trainer in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
A person certified under the Act, and who, under the direction of a licensed physician, dentist or podiatrist, provides athletic training services to athletes who participate in an athletic activity which is conducted by an educational institution, professional athletic organization or amateur athletic organization.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certified under the Act, and who, under the direction of a licensed physician, dentist or podiatrist, provides athletic training services to athletes who participate in an athletic a
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Physical Therapy Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$58,970 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#25 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Athletic Trainer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Physical Therapy Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $58,970, Athletic Trainers in Pennsylvania earn 2% below the national median of $60,250. Pennsylvania ranks #25 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$58,970Hourly estimate
$28.352% below national median
Difference: -$1,280
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationAthletic Trainer Salary Ranking
#25 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $58,970 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $63,850 | Varies by state board | Choice of state or third-party exam | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $77,350 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $60,750 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $60,840 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $45,140 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $60,900 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Jersey | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Physical Therapy Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177837134
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $87,210 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Athletic Trainer in Pennsylvania?
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 exams are required for Athletic Trainers in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Athletic Trainers.
What education do you need to become a Athletic Trainer in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Athletic Trainer licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Athletic Trainer salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Athletic Trainers in Pennsylvania is $58,970. Salaries range from $46,180 (10th percentile) to $76,560 (90th percentile).
How does the Athletic Trainer salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Athletic Trainers in Pennsylvania earn 2% below the national median of $60,250, with a state median of $58,970.
How many Athletic Trainers work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 2,310 Athletic Trainers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Athletic Trainer license to Pennsylvania from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Athletic Trainers in Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Physical Therapy Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/PhysicalTherapy.
How often do you renew a Athletic Trainer license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.