Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Fort Smith, AR: $27.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Fort Smith, AR runs $27.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,535 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Fort Smith's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,525 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The athletic trainer hourly pay in Fort Smith, Arkansas, stands at $27.66, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $31.45. This hourly rate can significantly impact part-time workers, especially those typically employed in high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, or industrial workplace clinics. For athletic trainers who work three days a week, this translates to a stable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly pay range for athletic trainers in Fort Smith extends from $21.30 for those just starting their careers to $39.49 for top earners, illustrating the varied financial opportunities within this profession. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, which serve as a basis for hourly compensation in various settings, including military bases and outpatient clinics.
About the Fort Smith 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) | $21.30 | $170.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.17 | $193.36 |
| Median (P50) | $27.66 | $221.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.27 | $266.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.49 | $315.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Smith
Based on $27.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.66/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Smith, AR can expect to earn approximately $57,541 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,197. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Smith.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Smith
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,106.57 | $4,795 | $57,541 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $663.94 | $2,877 | $34,525 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $442.63 | $1,918 | $23,017 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Fort Smith) | $27.66 |
| 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 Fort Smith, AR earn a median of $57,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.05% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.20% above the Arkansas state average of $56,853.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.66/hr = $34,525/year (purchasing power: $39,729).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,541/year (purchasing power: $66,216).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Fort Smith (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Fort Smith grew 29.1% from $20.49/hr (2019) to $26.44/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.95/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 Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith
Focusing on part-time earnings, an athletic trainer working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $33,200 annually, which is modest compared to full-time professionals. Those pursuing per-diem opportunities, such as game coverage, often see much higher pay rates, averaging between $200 and $500 per event. In industrial and corporate settings, athletic trainers might command an hourly pay of $50-$80, reflecting the higher demand and specialized skills required in those environments. In Fort Smith, pay rates can vary drastically, with secondary schools usually offering lower rates compared to NCAA colleges or professional sports teams. For those thirties to negotiate, understanding the trade-off between hourly wages and benefits like health insurance is critical; some may opt for lower rates that come with job security and benefits. Local insights suggest that athletic trainers should identify their priorities when exploring job options, particularly in crafting their pitches for hourly positions.
More salary data for Fort Smith, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Fort Smith in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Fort Smith?
Are athletic trainers in Fort Smith paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Fort Smith?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Fort Smith?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 Fort Smith. 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 Fort Smith 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