Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Fairbanks, AK: $28.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Fairbanks, AK runs $28.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,983 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Fairbanks's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.1, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,987 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Fairbanks, Alaska, earn a median hourly rate of $28.84. This figure falls below the national hourly median of $31.45, reflecting a local market that is slightly less competitive in terms of compensation. For those seeking part-time positions—working around three days a week—this hourly pay can translate to meaningful earnings, especially in environments like high school athletic training rooms, college facilities, or outpatient clinics. Worth noting is the hourly range that spans from $22.90 for entry-level positions up to about $39.95 for experienced trainers, highlighting the potential for growth in this profession. These figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, inferring a comprehensive view of what athletic trainers can expect to earn based on their positions and responsibilities.
About the Fairbanks Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.90 | $183.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.59 | $204.74 |
| Median (P50) | $28.84 | $230.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.17 | $273.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.95 | $319.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairbanks
Based on $28.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.84/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairbanks, AK can expect to earn approximately $59,979 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,603. With a cost-of-living index of 106.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairbanks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairbanks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,153.44 | $4,998 | $59,979 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $692.06 | $2,999 | $35,987 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.38 | $1,999 | $23,992 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Fairbanks) | $28.84 |
| 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 Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $59,983 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.30% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.80% below the Alaska state average of $60,467.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.84/hr = $35,987/year (purchasing power: $33,918).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,979/year (purchasing power: $56,531).
CoL index: 106.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Fairbanks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Fairbanks grew 29.1% from $21.35/hr (2019) to $27.56/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.17/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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks
Examining the financial realities for an athletic trainer working on a part-time basis reveals that someone clocking in 24 hours a week might see annual earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Compared to full-time trainers, who can earn considerably more, those who engage in per diem roles can benefit greatly from event coverage, often earning between $200 and $500 per event. For those in industrial settings, hourly contractor rates may hit between $50 and $80, highlighting a lucrative niche. Salary variations also emerge between different employer types in Fairbanks, with secondary schools and colleges generally offering lower rates than professional sports teams or industrial health settings. While some may prefer the higher hourly rates without benefits, others find value in reduced pay that comes with job security and health insurance. For athletic trainers negotiating their pay in Fairbanks, understanding these dynamics can inform discussions and lead to strategic choices about employment.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks 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