Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Erie, CO: $32.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Erie, CO runs $32.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,960 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,780 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Erie, Colorado, earn a median hourly rate of $32.68, slightly higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This hourly pay can be particularly attractive for part-time professionals, who may work three days a week and thus take advantage of flexible scheduling while still earning a competitive wage. For those engaged in per-diem work, like covering high school games or college events, the compensation can be lucrative as well, ranging widely based on the setting and experience. The hourly pay ranges from $25.68 for entry-level trainers to $43.94 for the most experienced practitioners in the field. Estimates of these hourly rates are derived from projected annual salary data for 2026, emphasizing the economic viability of athletic training careers in various environments, including high school training rooms and outpatient clinics.
About the Erie 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) | $25.68 | $205.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.90 | $231.19 |
| Median (P50) | $32.68 | $261.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.92 | $303.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.94 | $351.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $32.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.68/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, CO can expect to earn approximately $67,966 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,211. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,307.04 | $5,664 | $67,966 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $784.22 | $3,398 | $40,780 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $522.82 | $2,266 | $27,186 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Erie) | $32.68 |
| 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 Erie, CO earn a median of $67,960 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.89% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.10% below the Colorado state average of $68,716.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.68/hr = $40,780/year (purchasing power: $38,838).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,966/year (purchasing power: $64,729).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Erie grew 29.1% from $24.20/hr (2019) to $31.23/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.19/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 Erie 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 Erie
For athletic trainers working part-time in Erie, the annual income from a 3-day workweek totaling 24 hours translates to roughly $41,245, which can be a reasonable income for those seeking work-life balance. In contrast, the potential earnings for per-diem athletic trainers can be significantly higher; game coverage can yield $200 to $500 per event, while those in industrial settings may bill clients at rates of $50 to $80 per hour. The diversity in employer types—ranging from high schools to professional sports teams and occupational health facilities—also influences hourly compensation rates, with industrial and military positions often offering higher wages compared to academic settings. Many trainers face a trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower compensation with health insurance coverage. Negotiating for better hourly pay is crucial in a competitive job market; trainers in Erie should consider showcasing their specialized skills and acquiring certifications from well-regarded organizations like the NATA and BOC to enhance their bargaining power.
More salary data for Erie, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Erie in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Erie?
Are athletic trainers in Erie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Erie?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Erie?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Erie. 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 Erie 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