Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Athens, GA: $32.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Athens, GA runs $32.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,581 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Athens's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.3, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,545 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Athens, Georgia, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $32.49, which exceeds the national median of $31.45. This competitive pay significantly benefits those working part-time or on a per-diem basis across various settings, including high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and outpatient clinics. For those committed to part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate provides a stable income while allowing flexibility for other pursuits. Entry-level positions start at an hourly rate of $16.62, while experienced trainers can command up to $85.87, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the field based on experience and the specific work environment. This data, sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS, projected to 2026, highlights the financial prospects available to athletic trainers in Athens.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.62 | $132.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.24 | $209.93 |
| Median (P50) | $32.49 | $259.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.11 | $336.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.87 | $686.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Athens
Based on $32.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.49/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Athens, GA can expect to earn approximately $67,574 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,985. With a cost-of-living index of 93.34 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Athens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Athens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,299.50 | $5,631 | $67,574 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $779.70 | $3,379 | $40,545 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.80 | $2,252 | $27,030 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Athens) | $32.49 |
| 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 Athens, GA earn a median of $67,581 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.31% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 8.30% above the Georgia state average of $62,401.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.49/hr = $40,545/year (purchasing power: $43,436).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,574/year (purchasing power: $72,393).
CoL index: 93.343 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Athens grew 29.1% from $24.06/hr (2019) to $31.05/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.99/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 Athens 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 Athens
When considering the potential earnings of athletic trainers in Athens, part-time professionals working an average of 24 hours per week can still achieve notable annual incomes, contrasted with their full-time counterparts. Per diem athletic trainers benefit from competitive pay rates, with game coverage often fetching between $200 to $500 for single events. Those working in industrial settings or providing occupational health services could see their hourly earnings rise to between $50 and $80, making this a lucrative option compared to traditional school-based roles. Different employer types further influence hourly wages; professional teams and NCAA colleges offer higher compensation than secondary schools or outpatient clinics. However, some trainers may opt for lower-paying positions that include benefits like health insurance, necessitating a careful evaluation of what compensation structure best suits individual circumstances. As athletic trainers in GA negotiate their hourly rates, awareness of market trends and employer expectations can enhance their bargaining power and potentially lead to more favorable outcomes.
More salary data for Athens, GA:
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 Athens. 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, 6-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