MLB Trainer's Salary

When people get into the big leagues in sports, they can forge valuable reputations, make great contributions to their chosen sport and really enjoy their work. Of course, not everyone can earn millions as a professional ballplayer, and an MLB athletic trainer salary is typically nowhere near this much. It can provide you with a comfortable living, though, and it can be a fabulous stepping stone to another opportunity. You could start out in the minor leagues and work your way up, and if you do well as a trainer, you might end up working for one of the country's top teams.

According to the writers at Indeed.com, athletic trainers focus more on player health than performance in the field. They conduct diagnostic tests and evaluate athlete conditions, illnesses and injuries, then report this information to medical professionals. They have to attend sports events in case on-site care is needed, as well as attend staff meetings and conferences. Trainers also have to maintain inventory, restock supplies and assist with budgets.

Other duties include conducting athlete intake assessments and managing medical records. Trainers also develop customized treatment plans and outline steps for athlete care. They have to design training and rehabilitation programs as well and spend time working with the athletes on these. Together, trainers and their athletes form bonds that can lead to improved overall health and athletic prowess.

To get into the minor and major leagues, athletic trainers should get certified for the best chance of success. Athletic trainer professional organizations like the National Athletic Trainers' Association emphasize that a student must attend an accredited professional athletic training education program and graduate with a bachelor's or master's degree. Topics studied include examination, assessment, diagnosis and emergency care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion, professional responsibility and therapeutic intervention.

Individuals who have other kinds of bachelor's degrees can work toward a master's degree in athletic training, but the university should have an accredited entry-level master's program. Another option is to get a second bachelor's degree from an accredited athletic training education program. Post-graduation, applicants then have to qualify for and pass a comprehensive Board of Certification test. After that, certified athletic trainers have to meet ongoing, continuing education courses if they want to keep their certifications.

The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society posts open positions available with minor and major league baseball teams, but these include job descriptions and not the actual salaries. According to the data from Glassdoor, a minor league athletic trainer salary in the U.S. averages ​$46,232​ annually, or around ​$21​ per hour if in an hourly position. Keep in mind that many of these positions are seasonal, so the actual money earned could be considerably less.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the 2020 median pay for all athletic trainers in the U.S. was ​$49,860​, with ​30,000​ trainers working in this field at that time. The job outlook for 2020 to 2030 is rather notable, with an estimated ​23 percent​ increase and ​7,000​ additional jobs predicted. Although the MLB does not share their exact salary details, their trainers are in the top echelon among those in the field. As such, it is likely that they earn quite a bit more than those who work in the minor leagues and for other employers.

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