Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Pine Bluff, AR: $26.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Pine Bluff, AR runs $26.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,486 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Pine Bluff's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,297 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $26.68, which is significantly lower than the national median of $31.45. This pay structure directly impacts part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, from high school training rooms to college athletic facilities. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate can provide a decent income, appealing to trainers looking for flexible schedules. The hourly earnings for athletic trainers in Pine Bluff range from $20.44 at the entry-level (P10) to as high as $37.69 for experienced trainers (P90). These figures are derived from annual salary data but are essential for understanding what trainers can expect on an hourly basis in this Arkansas city.
About the Pine Bluff 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) | $20.44 | $163.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.14 | $185.15 |
| Median (P50) | $26.68 | $213.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.12 | $256.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.69 | $301.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pine Bluff
Based on $26.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.68/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pine Bluff, AR can expect to earn approximately $55,496 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,017. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pine Bluff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pine Bluff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,067.23 | $4,625 | $55,496 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $640.34 | $2,775 | $33,297 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $426.89 | $1,850 | $22,198 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Pine Bluff) | $26.68 |
| 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 Pine Bluff, AR earn a median of $55,486 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.18% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.40% below the Arkansas state average of $56,851.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.68/hr = $33,297/year (purchasing power: $38,317).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,496/year (purchasing power: $63,862).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Pine Bluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Pine Bluff grew 29.1% from $19.76/hr (2019) to $25.50/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.92/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 Pine Bluff 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 Pine Bluff
For those considering a part-time position, an athletic trainer working 24 hours a week could earn a substantial amount annually, but it would still fall short of the earnings of full-time trainers. Per-diem opportunities offer varied pay; for instance, athletic trainers covering events can expect between $200 to $500 for a single game, while industrial settings might provide hourly wages ranging from $50 to $80. College events, including bowl games, can yield stipends from $200 to $1,000, showcasing the variability in opportunities. However, pay can differ based on the employer, with those in high schools typically earning less than their counterparts in professional sports or industrial health environments. Importantly, athletic trainers often face trade-offs between higher hourly pay without benefits versus lower rates in settings that provide health insurance. In negotiating pay, trainers should weigh their options carefully and consider the long-term benefits of different employment arrangements in Pine Bluff.
More salary data for Pine Bluff, AR:
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 Pine Bluff. 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 Pine Bluff 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