Career comparison
Athletic Trainer vs. Sports Official
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Athletic trainers earn more at the median ($62,520 vs. $40,710), while sports officials usually get to work faster (Weeks to months of training of training). Athletic trainers prevent, treat and rehabilitate injuries for athletes and active people. Sports officials enforce the rules and keep games fair and safe.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Athletic Trainer | Sports Official | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $62,520 | $40,710 |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,180 – $88,760 | $26,540 – $82,960 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +12.7% (much faster than average) | +5.2% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 2,400 | 4,300 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s | Weeks to months of training |
| Key credential | BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) | State association officiating registration |
| Work setting | Athletic trainers work in training rooms, on fields and courts, in clinics and at industrial sites, in all weather.. | Officials work on fields, courts, rinks and pools, often outdoors and in front of crowds.. |
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
Sports Official
- Enforce rules during games
- Make calls on plays
- Manage player and coach conduct
- Keep time and score
- Inspect fields and equipment
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working with people, working outdoors, and in-demand. Both are part of the beauty, fitness & personal care field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose athletic trainer if…
- I love sports and medicine
- I stay calm during injuries
- I like hands-on care
Choose sports official if…
- I love sports
- I stay calm under criticism
- I make quick decisions
Still torn? Take the Athletic Trainer fit quiz and the Sports Official fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, athletic trainer or sports official?
Athletic Trainers earn more at the median: $62,520 versus $40,710 for sports officials, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Sports Officials typically train faster (Weeks to months of training) than athletic trainers (Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects athletic trainers to grow +12.7% from 2025–35, compared with +5.2% for sports officials.