Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Benton, AR: $26.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Benton, AR runs $26.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,689 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Benton's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,415 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $26.77, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45. This hourly pay reflects the earnings of athletic trainers working in various settings including high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and outpatient clinics. With an hourly range spanning from $20.59 at the entry-level (P10) to $36.43 for the highest earners (P90), individuals in part-time positions, such as those working three days a week, can expect to earn a decent income while balancing other commitments. For those seeking per-diem opportunities, the pay rate can vary depending on the setting, as game coverage and clinical roles might offer different compensation structures. This hourly pay estimate serves as a crucial benchmark for both new and experienced professionals navigating the job market in Benton.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.59 | $164.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.35 | $186.83 |
| Median (P50) | $26.77 | $214.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.33 | $250.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.43 | $291.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Benton
Based on $26.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.77/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Benton, AR can expect to earn approximately $55,692 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,130. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Benton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Benton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,070.99 | $4,641 | $55,692 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $642.60 | $2,785 | $33,415 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $428.40 | $1,856 | $22,277 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Benton) | $26.77 |
| 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 Benton, AR earn a median of $55,689 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.87% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $56,826.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.77/hr = $33,415/year (purchasing power: $38,452).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,692/year (purchasing power: $64,087).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Benton grew 29.1% from $19.83/hr (2019) to $25.59/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.01/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 Benton 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 Benton
Transitioning to the financial aspects of part-time and per-diem work reveals the potential earnings for athletic trainers in this region. A part-time athletic trainer working a typical schedule of three days a week (24 hours) could take home substantially less annually than their full-time counterparts, making it essential for them to consider their financial needs carefully. Per-diem roles offer flexibility but vary widely in compensation; game coverage often pays between $200-$500 per event, while industrial contracts can range from $50 to $80 per hour. Athletic trainers in Benton need to evaluate employer types carefully, as hourly rates differ significantly across secondary schools, colleges, professional teams, and industrial settings like Toyota or Boeing. The benefits trade-off is also a consideration; some may choose jobs with lower hourly rates for the security of health insurance. For those negotiating hourly pay, understanding the market and utilizing local resources can provide leverage for better compensation.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Benton in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Benton?
Are athletic trainers in Benton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Benton?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Benton?
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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 Benton. 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 Benton 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