Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Searcy, AR: $26.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Searcy, AR runs $26.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,121 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Searcy's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,475 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Athletic trainers in Searcy, Arkansas, earn a median hourly rate of $26.02, which is quite a bit lower than the national median of $31.45. While this rate provides a stable income for full-time positions, it poses challenges for part-time and per-diem workers. A part-time athletic trainer working three days a week may struggle to meet financial goals compared to their full-time counterparts. When considering the hourly range in Searcy, entry-level positions may see earnings as low as $20.89, while professionals at the top of the pay scale can command up to $33.55 per hour. This means athletic trainers in diverse settings such as high schools, colleges, and outpatient clinics face significant variations in potential earnings, with per-diem jobs often rewarding attendance at events rather than consistent hours.
About the Searcy 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) | $20.89 | $167.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.14 | $185.15 |
| Median (P50) | $26.02 | $208.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.51 | $236.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.55 | $268.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Searcy
Based on $26.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.02/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Searcy, AR can expect to earn approximately $54,125 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,226. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Searcy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Searcy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,040.86 | $4,510 | $54,125 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $624.52 | $2,706 | $32,475 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $416.34 | $1,804 | $21,650 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Searcy) | $26.02 |
| 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 Searcy, AR earn a median of $54,121 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.27% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.80% below the Arkansas state average of $56,850.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.02/hr = $32,475/year (purchasing power: $37,370).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,125/year (purchasing power: $62,284).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Searcy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Searcy grew 29.1% from $19.27/hr (2019) to $24.87/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.23/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 Searcy 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 Searcy
Examining the potential annual income shows distinctive differences between full-time and part-time earnings for athletic trainers. A part-time athletic trainer working 24 hours per week would gross approximately $32,497 annually, a figure that may not suffice for many in Searcy. For those in per-diem roles, the pay can be lucrative; per diem athletic trainer pay in Searcy for event coverage typically ranges between $200 to $500 per event, offering extra financial flexibility. Furthermore, athletic trainers employed at industrial facilities like Toyota or Boeing may enjoy hourly rates ranging from $50 to $80, which can significantly enhance their earnings compared to those in school-based roles. While hourly opportunities vary, many trainers face a difficult choice between accepting lower hourly pay with health benefits or pursuing higher hourly rates without insurance. With strategic negotiation and understanding the local market, athletic trainers can improve their compensation and job satisfaction in Searcy, AR.
More salary data for Searcy, 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 Searcy. 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 Searcy 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