Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Madison, AL: $24.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Madison, AL runs $24.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,078 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Madison's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,647 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Madison, Alabama, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected at $24.56 in 2026, which stands significantly below the national hourly median of $31.45. This difference may impact those considering part-time roles or per-diem work opportunities. For example, athletic trainers working three days a week could find their schedules translate to a manageable income while strategically balancing other commitments, such as educational pursuits or additional certifications. The hourly range in Madison runs from $19.40 for entry-level positions to $34.78 for top earners, illustrating that there is potential for growth, yet it is crucial to recognize the context of the local job market. These estimates reflect typical roles found in high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, or outpatient clinics, where hourly compensation correlates with both experience and facility type.
About the Madison Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.40 | $155.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.83 | $174.61 |
| Median (P50) | $24.56 | $196.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.37 | $234.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.78 | $278.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madison
Based on $24.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.56/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madison, AL can expect to earn approximately $51,078 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,468. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Madison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $982.27 | $4,256 | $51,078 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $589.36 | $2,554 | $30,647 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $392.91 | $1,703 | $20,431 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Madison) | $24.56 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Athletic Trainers in Madison, AL earn a median of $51,078 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.92% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.50% below the Alabama state average of $52,388.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.56/hr = $30,647/year (purchasing power: $34,865).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,078/year (purchasing power: $58,109).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Madison grew 29.1% from $18.18/hr (2019) to $23.47/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.69/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Athletic Trainer in Madison
Exploring the earnings landscape for part-time athletic trainers reveals interesting contrasts with full-time professionals. A trainer working 24 hours per week would earn approximately $29,410 annually, which, while sustainable, is notably less than full-time counterparts who can access benefits that boost overall compensation. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Madison can vary significantly; game coverage commonly pays between $200 and $500 per event, while industrial settings may offer hourly rates of $50 to $80. Notably, coverage for high-stakes college bowl games can provide stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000, making per-diem work an attractive option for many. However, this flexibility comes with trade-offs, as some trainers opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and steadier employment, a common concern in the transition towards a master's-level education required as of 2022. For those negotiating hourly pay, understanding the differences in compensation across employer types—ranging from high schools to industrial health sectors—can significantly influence the terms of employment.
More salary data for Madison, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Madison in 2026?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for athletic trainers in Madison. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Madison is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for athletic trainers (SOC 29-9091).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov