Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Centennial, CO: $32.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Centennial, CO runs $32.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,189 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Centennial's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,910 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Centennial, Colorado, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to reach $32.78 by 2026, which is notably higher than the national average hourly median of $31.45. This hourly rate positions athletic trainers in this area competitively, especially those working part-time in various settings like high school training rooms, college facilities, and clinics. For part-time workers scheduled for three days a week, the pay provides a solid income, allowing for earnings that can comfortably support their lifestyles, while per-diem athletic trainers can take advantage of flexible scheduling and event-specific pay rates averaging between $200 to $500 per event. The hourly range for athletic trainers in Centennial spans from $24.08 at entry-level positions to as much as $48.98 for experienced professionals, reflecting the diverse and evolving demands of this career.
About the Centennial Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.08 | $192.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.85 | $222.82 |
| Median (P50) | $32.78 | $262.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.58 | $308.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.98 | $391.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Centennial
Based on $32.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.78/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Centennial, CO can expect to earn approximately $68,184 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,337. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Centennial.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Centennial
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,311.22 | $5,682 | $68,184 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $786.73 | $3,409 | $40,910 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $524.49 | $2,273 | $27,273 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Centennial) | $32.78 |
| 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 Centennial, CO earn a median of $68,189 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.24% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.70% below the Colorado state average of $68,670.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.78/hr = $40,910/year (purchasing power: $38,962).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,184/year (purchasing power: $64,937).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Centennial (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Centennial grew 29.1% from $24.27/hr (2019) to $31.33/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.30/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 Centennial 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 Centennial
Examining the financial outlook for athletic trainers reveals interesting distinctions between full-time and part-time employment. For a part-time schedule of 24 hours a week, an athletic trainer in Centennial could expect to earn an estimated annual income around $40,000, which varies significantly from the higher income potential in full-time roles. Conversely, per-diem athletic trainers have the opportunity for lucrative pay, especially in industrial settings where rates can reach $50 to $80 per hour, or in high-stakes situations like college bowl games where stipends can run from $200 to $1,000. It's essential to recognize that the type of employer influences hourly rates in Centennial; professionals working with high school teams may earn less compared to those in NCAA or professional sports settings. Moreover, athletic trainers often face trade-offs in their compensation, as some may opt for positions offering health benefits, which might present lower hourly rates, over higher rates without those perks. Those seeking the best compensation should approach negotiations strategically, leveraging their qualifications as the industry's standards evolve, especially after the transition to a master's degree requirement in 2022.
More salary data for Centennial, 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 Centennial. 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 Centennial 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