Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Washington, DC: $37.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Washington, DC runs $37.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,881 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Washington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.9, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,335 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Athletic trainers in Washington, DC, can expect a median hourly rate of $37.93, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate not only reflects the competitive landscape of healthcare and sports in the region but also provides a substantial income for part-time and per-diem workers in diverse settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional team training environments. For entry-level positions, the hourly wage can start around $29.83, while seasoned experts can command rates up to $55.27. These hourly earnings are based on official 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the increasing demand and financial prospects in this field.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.83 | $238.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.23 | $249.86 |
| Median (P50) | $37.93 | $303.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.66 | $381.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.27 | $442.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Washington
Based on $37.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.93/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Washington, DC can expect to earn approximately $78,891 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,514. With a cost-of-living index of 108.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Washington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Washington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,517.14 | $6,574 | $78,891 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $910.28 | $3,945 | $47,335 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $606.85 | $2,630 | $31,556 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Washington) | $37.93 |
| 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 Washington, DC earn a median of $78,881 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.59% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.10% above the District of Columbia state average of $76,509.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.93/hr = $47,335/year (purchasing power: $43,473).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,891/year (purchasing power: $72,454).
CoL index: 108.884 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Washington grew 34.8% from $26.90/hr (2019) to $36.25/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.68/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 Washington 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 Washington
For athletic trainers working part-time, clocking in around 24 hours a week, their annual take-home pay can vary significantly compared to full-time colleagues. A part-time role offers practical flexibility, albeit with an estimated annual income that is still substantial, contrasting with the higher earnings of full-time roles. In per-diem roles, event coverage can yield $200 to $500 per game, while industrial positions may bill clients at $50 to $80 per hour. The diversity of employer types in Washington impacts hourly pay, with secondary schools generally on the lower end, while collegiate and professional sports leagues can offer more lucrative opportunities. Many trainers may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, highlighting the importance of negotiating effectively in a bustling job market. Understanding these dynamics can empower athletic trainers as they consider their career paths in Washington, DC.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Washington in 2026?
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Related Pages
Career Resources
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 Washington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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