Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Bear, DE: $26.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Bear, DE runs $26.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,150 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Bear's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,689 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Bear, Delaware, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be $26.99 in 2026, notably lower than the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate offers a mixed landscape for both part-time and per-diem workers in typical environments such as high school athletic training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional team training rooms. For those working three days a week, the hourly pay translates into valuable earnings while allowing for flexible scheduling, making this profession a good fit for those seeking work-life balance. Entry-level athletic trainers in Bear can expect to start around $21.98 per hour, while more experienced professionals may see earnings as high as $35.09 per hour. It’s crucial to remember that these hourly estimates are derived from annual salary figures, providing insights into the earning potential in this dynamic field.
About the Bear Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.98 | $175.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.23 | $193.86 |
| Median (P50) | $26.99 | $215.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.86 | $246.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.09 | $280.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bear
Based on $26.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.99/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bear, DE can expect to earn approximately $56,149 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,393. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bear.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bear
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,079.78 | $4,679 | $56,149 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $647.87 | $2,807 | $33,689 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $431.91 | $1,872 | $22,459 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Bear) | $26.99 |
| 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 Bear, DE earn a median of $56,150 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.16% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.20% below the Delaware state average of $58,611.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.99/hr = $33,689/year (purchasing power: $33,126).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,149/year (purchasing power: $55,210).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Bear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Bear grew 29.1% from $19.99/hr (2019) to $25.80/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.24/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 Bear 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 Bear
Considering part-time roles, athletic trainers working 24 hours a week in Bear could see annual earnings that fall short of full-time counterparts. Over a year, working part-time would yield a total of approximately $33,570, compared to the full-time annual figures. For per-diem and agency work, rates can vary—a typical per diem athletic trainer may earn between $200 to $500 per event, while contractors in industrial settings often command hourly rates of $50 to $80. Positions across different employer types significantly impact hourly earnings; for example, trainers at secondary schools might earn less than their counterparts in professional sports teams or industrial health roles. Many trainers face the challenge of weighing hourly rates against benefits: those in lower-paying school settings often secure health insurance, while others might prefer a higher hourly rate without such perks. Negotiating offers skillfully, especially in light of Bear's unique market dynamics, can result in more favorable working conditions and pay for aspiring athletic trainers.
More salary data for Bear, DE:
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 Bear. 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 Bear 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