Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Cartersville, GA: $28.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Cartersville, GA runs $28.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,434 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Cartersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,661 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Cartersville, Georgia, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $28.57, which falls below the national hourly median of $31.45. This wage reflects the local market conditions and the estimated cost of living in the area. For those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate can yield a modest income, while per-diem opportunities in high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, or even professional sports training settings provide varying compensation. Entry-level positions offer rates around $22.97, while the upper range for experienced trainers can reach $36.88. Such hourly figures serve as projections based on annual salary data, outlining expectations for trainers entering this evolving profession.
About the Cartersville Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.97 | $183.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.44 | $203.48 |
| Median (P50) | $28.57 | $228.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.41 | $259.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.88 | $295.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cartersville
Based on $28.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.57/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cartersville, GA can expect to earn approximately $59,435 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,289. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cartersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cartersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,142.98 | $4,953 | $59,435 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $685.79 | $2,972 | $35,661 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $457.19 | $1,981 | $23,774 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Cartersville) | $28.57 |
| 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 Cartersville, GA earn a median of $59,434 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.14% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.70% below the Georgia state average of $62,365.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.57/hr = $35,661/year (purchasing power: $38,304).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,435/year (purchasing power: $63,840).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Cartersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Cartersville grew 29.1% from $21.16/hr (2019) to $27.31/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.90/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 Cartersville 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 Cartersville
Assessing the earning potential for athletic trainers in Cartersville reveals significant differences based on work schedules and employer types. A part-time athletic trainer working a 24-hour week takes home around $36,000 annually, which may be suitable for those balancing other commitments. Alternatively, per-diem athletic trainers often find higher pay rates; for instance, game coverage fees can vary from $200 to $500 per event, while industrial settings like factories may pay agency trainers $50 to $80 per hour. Working with college sports, particularly during bowl games or playoff events, trainers can earn between $200 and $1,000 for coverage. In Cartersville, hourly rates also differ based on whether one is employed in high schools, colleges, or industrial health, with those in non-academic roles typically enjoying higher compensation. Accepting a lower hourly rate might be practical for those valuing health insurance benefits versus pursuing higher pay without. When negotiating pay, athletic trainers should emphasize their specialized skills and local market rates to secure the best possible offer.
More salary data for Cartersville, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Cartersville in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Cartersville?
Are athletic trainers in Cartersville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Cartersville?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Cartersville?
Related Pages
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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 Cartersville. 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 Cartersville 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