Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Smyrna, DE: $26.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Smyrna, DE runs $26.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,282 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,566 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Delaware, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at a median of $26.09, notably lower than the national average of $31.45. This hourly wage reflects the localized market conditions and demand in Smyrna, where athletic trainers typically find employment within high schools, colleges, and professional teams, as well as in clinical and industrial settings. For those working part-time—often just three days a week—this hourly rate means a take-home amount of approximately $1,050 monthly, depending on the specific hours detailed. The hourly range for these professionals varies significantly, spanning from $21.96 for entry-level positions to as high as $34.72 for the most experienced trainers, showcasing a clear structure of pay that can be attractive for both new entrants and seasoned professionals in the field.
About the Smyrna 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) | $21.96 | $175.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.95 | $191.60 |
| Median (P50) | $26.09 | $208.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.32 | $242.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.72 | $277.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $26.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.09/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, DE can expect to earn approximately $54,277 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,314. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,043.79 | $4,523 | $54,277 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $626.27 | $2,714 | $32,566 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $417.52 | $1,809 | $21,711 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Smyrna) | $26.09 |
| 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 Smyrna, DE earn a median of $54,282 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.02% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.40% below the Delaware state average of $58,620.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.09/hr = $32,566/year (purchasing power: $32,022).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,277/year (purchasing power: $53,370).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Smyrna grew 29.1% from $19.32/hr (2019) to $24.94/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.30/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
When considering the work environment, part-time athletic trainers and those seeking per diem opportunities can find various avenues for income. For instance, per diem athletic trainer pay in Smyrna can be significantly advantageous, with coverage often yielding $200 to $500 per event, depending on the situation and employer. In contrast, those in industrial roles, such as with larger clients like Toyota or FedEx, might bill $50 to $80 an hour, enhancing their potential for greater earnings within that sphere. Trainers who opt for positions in collegiate or professional sports often face a trade-off regarding benefits, as those accepting lower hourly rates may find their compensation includes health insurance, which isn't typically offered for higher-paying freelance gigs. When negotiating salaries in Smyrna, it's useful to emphasize your qualifications and the unique skills gained from the transition to a master's program, as these can justify a request for higher pay, especially in the competitive arenas of professional athletics or industrial health.
More salary data for Smyrna, 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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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