Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Steamboat Springs, CO: $31.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Steamboat Springs, CO runs $31.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,768 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Steamboat Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,860 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Steamboat Springs, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be $31.14 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $31.45. This competitive rate provides a solid foundation for professionals in various settings including high schools, colleges, and outpatient clinics. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a respectable income, allowing for flexibility in scheduling and often leading to substantial take-home pay even without full-time hours. The hourly pay range spans from $24.49 at the entry-level to as high as $42.45 for the most experienced trainers, reflecting the diverse skill set required in this profession where experience and location can greatly influence earnings.
About the Steamboat Springs 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) | $24.49 | $195.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.25 | $234.04 |
| Median (P50) | $31.14 | $249.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.67 | $285.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.45 | $339.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Steamboat Springs
Based on $31.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.14/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Steamboat Springs, CO can expect to earn approximately $64,767 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,365. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Steamboat Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Steamboat Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,245.52 | $5,397 | $64,767 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $747.31 | $3,238 | $38,860 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.21 | $2,159 | $25,907 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Steamboat Springs) | $31.14 |
| 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 Steamboat Springs, CO earn a median of $64,768 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.99% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 5.70% below the Colorado state average of $68,683.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.14/hr = $38,860/year (purchasing power: $37,010).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,767/year (purchasing power: $61,683).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Steamboat Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Steamboat Springs grew 29.1% from $23.06/hr (2019) to $29.76/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.58/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 Steamboat Springs 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 Steamboat Springs
Part-time athletic trainers typically earn a significantly lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts, with a 24-hour workweek yielding approximately $41,492 annually, while full-time positions can command salaries that exceed $64,768. Moreover, per diem athletic trainers can benefit from lucrative opportunities, with event pay ranging from $200 to $500 per game and industrial settings offering $50 to $80 per hour, which points to a strategic advantage in choosing the right employer type. Especially in Steamboat Springs, where the cost of living is slightly above the national average, shifts in hourly compensation can vary; for instance, athletic trainers in collegiate settings or professional environments may find more attractive pay versus those employed in secondary schools. Negotiating for benefits can be worthwhile for those willing to accept lower hourly rates, as health insurance can substantially add to overall compensation. Understanding the local market dynamics and the nuances of pay in different settings are essential for those entering the field in CO.
More salary data for Steamboat Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Steamboat Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Steamboat Springs?
Are athletic trainers in Steamboat Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Steamboat Springs?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Steamboat Springs?
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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 Steamboat Springs. 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 Steamboat Springs 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