Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Meriden, CT: $33.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Meriden, CT runs $33.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,684 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Meriden's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,811 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meriden, CT, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to reach $33.50 by 2026, which exceeds the national average of $31.45. This competitive hourly rate reflects the skills and responsibilities expected in various work environments, including high schools, collegiate athletic facilities, professional sports teams, and industrial clinics. Entry-level positions may start around $27.13, while seasoned trainers can earn up to $46.14 per hour. The hourly figures derived from annual salaries indicate that athletic trainers can have flexible work arrangements; part-time trainers working three days a week might appreciate the sustainability of their income, while those opting for per-diem roles find opportunities in a range of settings, from athletic events to specialized medical environments.
About the Meriden 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) | $27.13 | $217.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.28 | $242.24 |
| Median (P50) | $33.50 | $268.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.29 | $314.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.14 | $369.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meriden
Based on $33.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.50/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meriden, CT can expect to earn approximately $69,685 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,203. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Meriden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meriden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,340.10 | $5,807 | $69,685 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $804.06 | $3,484 | $41,811 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $536.04 | $2,323 | $27,874 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Meriden) | $33.50 |
| 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 Meriden, CT earn a median of $69,684 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.53% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.30% below the Connecticut state average of $70,601.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.50/hr = $41,811/year (purchasing power: $38,750).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,685/year (purchasing power: $64,583).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Meriden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Meriden grew 29.1% from $24.81/hr (2019) to $32.02/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.05/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 Meriden 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 Meriden
For athletic trainers in Meriden considering part-time work, a typical schedule of 24 hours per week equates to an annual income of approximately $41,760, a stark contrast to the full-time potential within the profession. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Meriden varies widely; coverage for single events can range from $200 to $500, depending on the event and location, while industrial settings may offer rates of $50 to $80 per hour. For those with aspirations to work in higher-stakes environments, such as college bowl games or professional teams, stipends can reach between $200 and $1,000. However, trainers often have to navigate trade-offs between higher hourly pay and the benefits offered by full-time positions, which can include health insurance. Those negotiating hourly pay should consider the specific employer type—whether in schools, colleges, or industrial settings—each bringing unique compensation expectations and opportunities for discussion.
More salary data for Meriden, 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 Meriden. 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 Meriden 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