Athletic Trainers vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Registered Nursess out-earn Athletic Trainerss by $35K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Athletic Trainerss land at $62,520 and Registered Nursess at $97,550. The education gap is real: athletic trainer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Athletic Trainerss is California ($78,490); for Registered Nursess it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Athletic Trainers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Athletic Trainerss or Registered Nursess?
Registered Nursess earn more nationally. The median is $62,520 for Athletic Trainerss versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $35K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Athletic Trainers or Registered Nurses?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Athletic Trainers or Registered Nurses?
Athletic Trainers typically requires bachelor's degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Athletic Trainerss get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Athletic Trainerss at $78,490/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Athletic Trainers vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Athletic Trainerss earn $78,490 vs. $140,270 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.