Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Tempe, AZ: $31.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Tempe, AZ runs $31.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,705 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Tempe's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,821 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Tempe, Arizona, earn a median hourly rate of $31.11, which is slightly below the national median of $31.45. This wage provides a solid foundation for professionals working in various environments, such as high school training rooms, college athletic departments, and professional sports facilities. Part-time athletic trainers, often working 3 days a week, can realistically expect their earnings to align with this rate, allowing for flexible working schedules in settings that vary from outpatient clinics to military installations. The hourly pay range in Tempe extends from $24.56 for entry-level positions to about $43.52 for experienced trainers, reflecting the diverse skills and responsibilities within this profession.
About the Tempe 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) | $24.56 | $196.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.73 | $221.82 |
| Median (P50) | $31.11 | $248.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.74 | $293.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.52 | $348.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tempe
Based on $31.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.11/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tempe, AZ can expect to earn approximately $64,702 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,328. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tempe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tempe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,244.26 | $5,392 | $64,702 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $746.56 | $3,235 | $38,821 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.70 | $2,157 | $25,881 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Tempe) | $31.11 |
| 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 Tempe, AZ earn a median of $64,705 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.09% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $64,447.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.11/hr = $38,821/year (purchasing power: $39,412).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,702/year (purchasing power: $65,687).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Tempe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Tempe grew 29.1% from $23.03/hr (2019) to $29.73/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.55/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 Tempe 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 Tempe
Part-time athletic trainers working 24 hours a week might bring home approximately $38,956 annually based on the hourly rate, a substantial amount compared to full-time colleagues but often without benefits. Per diem athletic trainers, who can cover events or work on an as-needed basis, typically earn between $200 and $500 per event, while those in industrial settings, such as at facilities for Toyota or FedEx, can earn up to $80 per hour. Employers such as NCAA colleges and professional sports teams offer varying pay scales primarily influenced by facility budgets and athlete needs. Some trainers opt for lower hourly rates when associated with schools for health insurance benefits, while others prefer higher compensation without the stability of full-time work. Negotiating hourly wages is key in Tempe's market, especially for those moving between industrial and traditional sports environments, as these shifts can lead to significant changes in hourly earnings.
More salary data for Tempe, 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 Tempe. 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 Tempe 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