Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Mesa, AZ: $30.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Mesa, AZ runs $30.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,254 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,547 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mesa, Arizona, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be $30.89 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $31.45. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, this rate translates into a manageable income as they typically find positions in high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, professional team environments, industrial workplace clinics, and military bases. Hourly pay can fluctuate widely in Mesa, with entry-level positions starting around $23.73 and top earners potentially bringing in as much as $44.46 per hour, illustrating the diverse opportunities within the profession. These hourly rates are derived from projected annual salaries and reflect the evolving demand and standards in athletic training.
About the Mesa Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.73 | $189.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.17 | $217.38 |
| Median (P50) | $30.89 | $247.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.09 | $296.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.46 | $355.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mesa
Based on $30.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.89/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mesa, AZ can expect to earn approximately $64,244 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,064. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,235.47 | $5,354 | $64,244 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $741.28 | $3,212 | $38,547 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.19 | $2,141 | $25,698 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Mesa) | $30.89 |
| 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 Mesa, AZ earn a median of $64,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.77% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.30% below the Arizona state average of $64,448.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.89/hr = $38,547/year (purchasing power: $39,134).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,244/year (purchasing power: $65,223).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Mesa grew 29.1% from $22.87/hr (2019) to $29.52/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.32/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 Mesa 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 Mesa
Considering part-time work in Mesa can yield different annual earnings compared to full-time positions, a trainer working 24 hours per week would net about $38,754 a year. When looking at per-diem options, many athletic trainers find game coverage ranging from $200 to $500 per event appealing, while industrial AT contractors can command between $50 and $80 per hour, depending on the employer. Different settings offer varying hourly rates: those in secondary schools may earn less than their counterparts in higher education or professional leagues. Some trainers may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay even without such coverage. Negotiating hourly pay can be crucial, so understanding the market and presenting case studies or evidence of value can strengthen a trainer's position when discussing compensation in the competitive environments of Mesa, AZ.
More salary data for Mesa, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Mesa. 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 Mesa 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