Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Wheat Ridge, CO: $31.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Wheat Ridge, CO runs $31.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,090 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Wheat Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,657 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median hourly rate of $31.78 for athletic trainers in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, professionals in this field can expect to earn slightly above the national median of $31.45 per hour. This rate makes the position attractive for part-time workers, such as those who may work three days a week in various settings, including high school training rooms and college athletic facilities. For per-diem athletic trainers, the hourly calculations allow for flexible earning potential, as they can also cover events or provide services on an as-needed basis. The hourly range in Wheat Ridge varies, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $26.25 per hour and experienced professionals reaching up to $44.08 per hour. These estimates are based on anticipated annual salary data and reflect the growing demand for athletic trainers across multiple environments.
About the Wheat Ridge 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) | $26.25 | $210.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.95 | $231.61 |
| Median (P50) | $31.78 | $254.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.70 | $301.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.08 | $352.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheat Ridge
Based on $31.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.78/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheat Ridge, CO can expect to earn approximately $66,094 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,131. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wheat Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheat Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,271.05 | $5,508 | $66,094 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $762.63 | $3,305 | $39,657 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $508.42 | $2,203 | $26,438 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Wheat Ridge) | $31.78 |
| 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 Wheat Ridge, CO earn a median of $66,090 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.03% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $68,700.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.78/hr = $39,657/year (purchasing power: $37,768).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,094/year (purchasing power: $62,947).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Wheat Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Wheat Ridge grew 29.1% from $23.53/hr (2019) to $30.37/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.25/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 Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge
For athletic trainers considering part-time employment in Wheat Ridge, working three days a week would yield an approximate annual income substantially lower than what full-time positions provide. A per-diem athletic trainer covering events typically receives anywhere from $200 to $500 per event, depending on the specific setting, while industrial AT contractors may bill between $50 and $80 per hour at larger facilities like Toyota or Boeing. Coverage for college bowl games and playoff events can result in stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000. Moreover, hourly rates differ significantly among various employer types, with secondary schools offering lower pay compared to colleges or professional sports teams. Some athletic trainers opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance benefits, balancing immediate compensation with long-term security. For those negotiating hourly pay, understanding local rates and being prepared to discuss the implications of benefits versus wages can play a vital role in securing a favorable arrangement.
More salary data for Wheat Ridge, 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 Wheat Ridge. 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 Wheat Ridge 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