Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Manchester, CT: $34.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Manchester, CT runs $34.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,182 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,712 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manchester, Connecticut, athletic trainers can expect a median hourly pay of $34.22, which is notably above the national median of $31.45. This difference highlights the competitive landscape for athletic trainers in the area. For those working part-time, such as in high school training rooms or at local colleges, this translates to enticing pay for just three days a week. Part-time professionals or per-diem athletic trainer workers, including those involved in event coverage or industry-based settings, can find compensation varying significantly along the spectrum—from entry-level positions at approximately $26.01 to experienced trainers earning as much as $48.60 per hour. Hourly figures stem from projections based on annual salary data, establishing a clear framework for understanding potential earnings in this vital healthcare sector.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.01 | $208.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.76 | $238.05 |
| Median (P50) | $34.22 | $273.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.01 | $328.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.60 | $388.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $34.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.22/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, CT can expect to earn approximately $71,187 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,069. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,368.98 | $5,932 | $71,187 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $821.39 | $3,559 | $42,712 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $547.59 | $2,373 | $28,475 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Manchester) | $34.22 |
| 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 Manchester, CT earn a median of $71,182 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.82% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.80% above the Connecticut state average of $70,617.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.22/hr = $42,712/year (purchasing power: $39,585).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,187/year (purchasing power: $65,975).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Manchester grew 29.1% from $25.34/hr (2019) to $32.71/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.81/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 Manchester 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 Manchester
Focusing on part-time work, a 3-day work week would yield around $43,262 annually, significantly less than what full-time trainers might earn. Per-diem roles can leverage more lucrative opportunities, with coverage for events paying between $200 and $500. Industrial athletic trainers at locations like Toyota or Boeing can command $50 to $80 per hour, presenting appealing options for those willing to adapt their skills outside traditional sports settings. Compensation also varies widely based on employers; for instance, trainers at NCAA colleges may receive slightly more than those at secondary schools, but the benefits may not be as comprehensive in the latter. In negotiating hourly rates, trainers can enhance their offers by emphasizing specializations, obtaining certifications, or seeking roles that include health insurance, enabling them to capitalize on the trade-off between higher pay and benefits.
More salary data for Manchester, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Manchester in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Manchester?
Are athletic trainers in Manchester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Manchester?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Manchester?
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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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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