Athletic Trainers vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Registered Nurses out-earn Athletic Trainers by $35K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Athletic Trainers land at $62,520 and Registered Nurses 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 Trainers is California ($78,490); for Registered Nurses 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 Trainers or Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses earn more nationally. The median is $62,520 for Athletic Trainers versus $97,550 for Registered Nurses, a difference of $35K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Athletic Trainers or Registered Nurses?
Athletic Trainers has the better 10-year outlook at 11.1% projected growth, compared to 4.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 Trainers get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Athletic Trainers 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 Trainers earn $78,490 vs. $140,270 for Registered Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.