Athletic trainers
SOC Code: 29-9091
Athletic trainers carries a 26% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $60,250 and +11.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 33,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Athletic trainers (SOC 29-9091) carries an AI exposure score of 26%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 33,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +11.1% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $60,250, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Athletic trainers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Conduct an initial assessment of an athlete's injury or illness to provide emergency or continued care and to determine whether they should be referred to physicians for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
- 2. Assess and report the progress of recovering athletes to coaches or physicians.
- 3. Care for athletic injuries, using physical therapy equipment, techniques, or medication.
- 4. Evaluate athletes' readiness to play and provide participation clearances when necessary and warranted.
- 5. Perform general administrative tasks, such as keeping records or writing reports.
- 6. Clean and sanitize athletic training rooms.
- 7. Instruct coaches, athletes, parents, medical personnel, or community members in the care and prevention of athletic injuries.
- 8. Apply protective or injury preventive devices, such as tape, bandages, or braces, to body parts, such as ankles, fingers, or wrists.
- 9. Collaborate with physicians to develop and implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs for athletic injuries.
- 10. Travel with athletic teams to be available at sporting events.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
- Instructing
- Service Orientation
Knowledge Areas
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Administrative
- Biology
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Athletic trainers?
Athletic trainers has an AI exposure score of 26%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Athletic trainers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Athletic trainers is projected to grow by 11.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 33,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Athletic trainers?
Key skills for Athletic trainers include Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Master's degree.
How much do Athletic trainers earn?
The median annual wage for Athletic trainers is $60,250, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Athletic trainers?
The typical entry-level education for Athletic trainers is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Athletic trainers?
Athletic trainers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).