Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Bridgeport, CT: $35.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Bridgeport, CT runs $35.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,434 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Bridgeport's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.9, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,658 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Bridgeport, Connecticut, earn a median hourly rate of $35.78, which surpasses the national hourly median of $31.45. This hourly wage reflects the diverse range of settings where athletic trainers operate, including high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, professional sports teams, military bases, and outpatient clinics. For part-time workers, such as those typically employed three days a week, this pays off significantly. The hourly range, spanning from $25.60 for entry-level positions to as much as $55.15 for the highest earners, indicates a potential for financial growth in this profession. These figures, drawn from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, highlight the competitive nature of athletic trainer hourly pay in Bridgeport, particularly for those with advanced education backgrounds, reflecting the current shift toward master's-level qualifications since 2022.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.60 | $204.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.65 | $237.22 |
| Median (P50) | $35.78 | $286.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.38 | $331.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.15 | $441.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bridgeport
Based on $35.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.78/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bridgeport, CT can expect to earn approximately $74,430 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,940. With a cost-of-living index of 106.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bridgeport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bridgeport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,431.34 | $6,202 | $74,430 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $858.80 | $3,721 | $44,658 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $572.54 | $2,481 | $29,772 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Bridgeport) | $35.78 |
| 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 Bridgeport, CT earn a median of $74,434 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.79% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 5.50% above the Connecticut state average of $70,553.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.78/hr = $44,658/year (purchasing power: $41,789).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,430/year (purchasing power: $69,649).
CoL index: 106.864 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Bridgeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Bridgeport grew 24.9% from $27.39/hr (2019) to $34.20/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.44/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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport
When considering part-time earnings, an athletic trainer working 24 hours a week can expect to take home about $44,300 annually, contrasting with the total income of full-time professionals. The per-diem or agency model in Bridgeport can be particularly lucrative. Compensation for game coverage often ranges from $200 to $500 per event, while industrial contracts generally fall between $50 to $80 per hour, making them a popular choice among those in the field. Employers like Toyota, Boeing, and FedEx offer competitive rates, though hourly wages can vary widely depending on the employer type. Military establishments and outpatient clinics may offer lower hourly rates, but with health insurance benefits. This trade-off is an essential consideration for athletic trainers negotiating their contracts, particularly in light of the prevailing cost of living in Bridgeport. Thus, when entering salary discussions, those in the field should consider the full picture of compensation, including benefits, to reach optimal arrangements reflecting their expertise and local market conditions.
More salary data for Bridgeport, CT:
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 Bridgeport. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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