July 20, 2005 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Athletic trainers work in a variety of settings

Athletic trainers help prevent and treat injuries for people who are physically active. Their clients include everyone from professional athletes to industrial workers.

[Chart data—TXT]

Athletic trainers held about 13,100 jobs nationwide in May 2004. Most athletic trainer jobs are related to competitive sports, but many trainers also work in nonsports settings. 

About 23 percent (2,960) of athletic trainers were in "other amusement and recreation industries," working in fitness and recreation centers and with recreational or youth sports teams. Another 21 percent (2,780) worked in colleges, universities, and professional schools.

About 16 percent (2,110) worked in general medical and surgical hospitals. Other athletic trainers were employed in physicians’ offices, elementary and secondary schools, performing arts companies, and professional sports industries.

These data are from the Occupational Employment Statistics program. For the most recent national estimates and industry, State, and metropolitan area profiles, see the athletic trainer occupational profile online at www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes299091.htm. For information on athletic trainers in general, see "Athletic trainers: Providing healthcare for athletes of all kinds" by C. Brett Lockard, Occupational Outlook Quarterly, Spring 2005.