Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Golden, CO: $30.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Golden, CO runs $30.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,218 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Golden's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,933 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Golden, Colorado, can expect a median hourly rate of $30.40, which places them slightly below the national median of $31.45. This hourly rate reflects the vital role these professionals play in various settings, such as high schools, colleges, and professional sports organizations. For part-time workers—who might be scheduled for three days a week—the earnings translate into approximately $1,479 monthly before taxes, allowing for manageable income while focusing on their studies or other commitments. With an hourly pay range between $25.22 for entry-level positions and up to $41.09 for those in top-paying roles, athletic trainers in Golden have the potential to earn based on their experience and the specific institution where they work. The figures are estimated based on annual salary data, providing a comprehensive picture of what trainers can expect.
About the Golden 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) | $25.22 | $201.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.65 | $221.23 |
| Median (P50) | $30.40 | $243.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.70 | $285.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.09 | $328.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Golden
Based on $30.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.40/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Golden, CO can expect to earn approximately $63,222 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,474. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Golden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Golden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,215.80 | $5,268 | $63,222 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.48 | $3,161 | $37,933 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.32 | $2,107 | $25,289 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Golden) | $30.40 |
| 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 Golden, CO earn a median of $63,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.36% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $68,716.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.40/hr = $37,933/year (purchasing power: $36,127).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,222/year (purchasing power: $60,211).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Golden grew 29.1% from $22.51/hr (2019) to $29.05/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.80/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 Golden 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 Golden
Part-time athletic trainers working three days a week can earn around $35,376 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts, yet it offers a more flexible lifestyle. For those interested in per diem opportunities, the compensation varies widely: coverage for athletic events might command between $200 and $500 per day, while industrial positions could bill $50 to $80 per hour depending on the employer. In Golden, hourly rates differ according to the type of institution; secondary schools typically pay less than colleges and universities, which in turn may be less than professional sports teams. Many athletic trainers face a trade-off between opting for positions that offer benefits at lower hourly rates versus roles that provide higher pay without health insurance. Effective negotiation strategies include emphasizing one's educational background from an accredited program, such as those recognized by CAATE, and being aware of the growing demand in industrial settings, where the hourly pay can sometimes eclipse traditional sports roles.
More salary data for Golden, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Golden in 2026?
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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 Golden. 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 Golden 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