Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Boulder, CO: $32.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Boulder, CO runs $32.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,125 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Boulder's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.2, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,871 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $32.75, surpassing the national hourly median of $31.45. This higher rate reflects the region's competitive demand for skilled professionals, particularly in settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and outpatient clinics. For part-time and per-diem workers, such as those working three days a week or taking on event-specific roles, this hourly pay translates into a substantial income. The hourly rate can range from $28.71 for entry-level positions to $40.94 for more experienced trainers, offering a clear tier of pay based on experience and specific job context. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.71 | $229.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.27 | $234.12 |
| Median (P50) | $32.75 | $261.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.75 | $270.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.94 | $327.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boulder
Based on $32.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.75/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boulder, CO can expect to earn approximately $68,118 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,299. With a cost-of-living index of 105.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boulder.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boulder
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,309.97 | $5,677 | $68,118 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $785.98 | $3,406 | $40,871 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $523.99 | $2,271 | $27,247 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Boulder) | $32.75 |
| 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 Boulder, CO earn a median of $68,125 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.14% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.80% below the Colorado state average of $68,674.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.75/hr = $40,871/year (purchasing power: $38,850).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,118/year (purchasing power: $64,750).
CoL index: 105.202 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Boulder grew 29.1% from $24.25/hr (2019) to $31.30/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.27/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 Boulder 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 Boulder
Looking at the financial dynamics of part-time athletic trainers in Boulder, a professional working only 24 hours weekly can expect to take home about $38,688 annually, a significant difference compared to their full-time counterparts. Meanwhile, per-diem athletic trainers can earn between $200 to $500 per event, and those in industrial settings might see hourly rates ranging from $50 to $80, particularly with clients in manufacturing and distribution like Toyota and FedEx. Varied employer types influence earnings as well; for example, trainers in secondary school settings typically earn less than those working in collegiate athletics or with professional sports teams. Some athletic trainers may opt for lower hourly rates with added benefits like health insurance, while others prefer higher pay without benefits, highlighting an important trade-off. For those negotiating salaries, keeping the local cost of living in mind and understanding specific employer capabilities can enhance their bargaining position.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
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 Boulder. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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