Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Dover, DE: $27.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Dover, DE runs $27.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,064 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Dover's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,838 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dover, Delaware, the projected athletic trainer hourly rate is $27.92, which shows a noticeable gap when compared to the national hourly median of $31.45. This difference impacts those who work part-time or in per-diem roles, such as athletic trainers in high school training rooms or college athletic facilities. For part-time trainers working three days a week, the hourly rate translates to substantial earnings, especially within local training facilities, professional teams, or outpatient clinics. The hourly range for athletic trainers in Dover extends from $21.29 to $37.56, reflecting both entry-level and more seasoned professionals. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, highlighting how compensation is structured within this field across a diverse array of settings.
About the Dover 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) | $21.29 | $170.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.82 | $206.58 |
| Median (P50) | $27.92 | $223.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.49 | $259.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.56 | $300.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dover
Based on $27.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.92/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dover, DE can expect to earn approximately $58,064 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,498. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,116.61 | $4,839 | $58,064 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $669.97 | $2,903 | $34,838 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $446.64 | $1,935 | $23,226 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Dover) | $27.92 |
| 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 Dover, DE earn a median of $58,064 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.24% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.90% below the Delaware state average of $58,592.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.92/hr = $34,838/year (purchasing power: $34,256).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,064/year (purchasing power: $57,093).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Dover grew 29.1% from $20.67/hr (2019) to $26.68/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.21/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 Dover 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 Dover
A part-time athletic trainer working 24 hours a week may take home an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Whereas a full-time position could yield more stability and benefits like health insurance, per diem or agency work allows trainers to command impressive session fees, ranging from $200 to $500 per event. Industrial athletic trainers may charge higher rates, anywhere from $50 to $80 per hour, particularly in factory or corporate settings such as Toyota or FedEx. In the college sports arena, bowl game stipends can reach up to $1,000, showing how compensation varies dramatically based on the employer type. For athletic trainers in Dover, strategic negotiation is key—balancing hourly pay against job benefits to find the best fit in their career path, especially now that the profession requires a master’s degree per the 2022 transition.
More salary data for Dover, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Dover in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Dover?
Are athletic trainers in Dover paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Dover?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Dover?
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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 Dover. 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 Dover 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