Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Wilmington, DE: $32.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Wilmington, DE runs $32.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,936 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Wilmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,767 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilmington, Delaware, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be $32.67 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $31.45. This competitive hourly rate provides ample opportunity for both part-time and per diem roles, which are common in settings such as high school training facilities, college athletic departments, and even professional teams. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, the compensation can be quite attractive, allowing for a balanced lifestyle while still earning a respectable income. Moreover, the hourly range for this field in Wilmington is substantial, beginning at $24.87 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $45.01 for the most experienced trainers, indicating a healthy earning potential for those committed to the profession.
About the Wilmington 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) | $24.87 | $198.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.33 | $226.67 |
| Median (P50) | $32.67 | $261.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.42 | $307.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.01 | $360.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilmington
Based on $32.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.67/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilmington, DE can expect to earn approximately $67,944 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,199. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wilmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,306.62 | $5,662 | $67,944 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $783.97 | $3,397 | $40,767 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $522.65 | $2,265 | $27,178 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Wilmington) | $32.67 |
| 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 Wilmington, DE earn a median of $67,936 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.85% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.70% above the Delaware state average of $66,801.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.67/hr = $40,767/year (purchasing power: $40,085).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,944/year (purchasing power: $66,808).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Wilmington grew 29.1% from $24.19/hr (2019) to $31.22/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.18/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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Part-time athletic trainers in Wilmington, working 24 hours per week, can expect their annual earnings to significantly differ compared to full-time counterparts. For those adjusting to a per diem structure, coverage for athletic events can yield a lucrative pay structure, with rates typically between $200 and $500 per event. In industrial settings, hourly rates can range from $50 to $80, which is notably higher than some traditional sports roles. It’s essential to recognize how pay structures vary across different employer types, from secondary schools and colleges to professional sports teams and outpatient clinics. While some athletic trainers may opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prefer to work for higher pay without such perks. Negotiation is key in this competitive market, particularly within Wilmington, where understanding the local dynamics and demonstrating specialized expertise can significantly influence the outcome of pay discussions for athletic trainer hourly rates in DE.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Wilmington in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Wilmington?
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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 Wilmington. 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 Wilmington 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