Career comparison
Athletic Trainer vs. Physical Therapist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Physical therapists earn more at the median ($102,760 vs. $62,520), while athletic trainers usually get to work faster (Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s of training). Athletic trainers prevent, treat and rehabilitate injuries for athletes and active people. Physical therapists help people recover movement and manage pain after injury or illness.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Athletic Trainer | Physical Therapist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $62,520 | $102,760 ($49.40/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,180 – $88,760 | $77,140 – $135,140 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +12.7% (much faster than average) | +11.9% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 2,400 | 13,400 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Training time | Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s | 7 years after high school |
| Key credential | BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) | NPTE |
| Work setting | Athletic trainers work in training rooms, on fields and courts, in clinics and at industrial sites, in all weather.. | PTs work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, nursing facilities, homes, schools and sports settings.. |
What each job does
Athletic Trainer
- Prevent injuries with taping, bracing and conditioning
- Evaluate injuries on the field and in the clinic
- Provide emergency care
- Design and supervise rehabilitation
- Manage concussion protocols
Physical Therapist
- Examine and evaluate patients
- Diagnose movement problems
- Design treatment plans
- Guide therapeutic exercise
- Provide manual therapy
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, hands-on work, and in-demand. They sit in different fields, beauty, fitness & personal care and healthcare, but share transferable skills such as calm under pressure and motivation skills.
Which should you choose?
Choose athletic trainer if…
- I love sports and medicine
- I stay calm during injuries
- I like hands-on care
Choose physical therapist if…
- I love anatomy and exercise
- I enjoy motivating people
- I like hands-on work
Still torn? Take the Athletic Trainer fit quiz and the Physical Therapist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, athletic trainer or physical therapist?
Physical Therapists earn more at the median: $102,760 versus $62,520 for athletic trainers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Athletic Trainers typically train faster (Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s) than physical therapists (7 years after high school).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects athletic trainers to grow +12.7% from 2025–35, compared with +11.9% for physical therapists.