Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Dalton, GA: $28.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Dalton, GA runs $28.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,222 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Dalton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,131 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dalton, Georgia, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be **$28.95** in 2026, which is lower than the national median hourly rate of **$31.45**. This difference may impact part-time workers, such as those applied in high school training rooms or college athletic facilities, who typically work three days a week, earning approximately **$1,042** weekly. For per-diem athletic trainers, the pay depends on their assignment; in Dalton, those covering sports events can expect **$200-$500** per event. Positions vary significantly, with entry-level roles starting at around **$24.06** per hour and more experienced trainers earning up to **$38.56** as top earners. Entry points in outlets like military clinics or outpatient facilities in the area may have varying rates as well, contributing to the overall picture of athletic trainer hourly rates in GA.
About the Dalton 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) | $24.06 | $192.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.49 | $211.94 |
| Median (P50) | $28.95 | $231.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.37 | $266.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.56 | $308.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dalton
Based on $28.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.95/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dalton, GA can expect to earn approximately $60,218 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,741. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dalton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dalton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,158.04 | $5,018 | $60,218 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $694.83 | $3,011 | $36,131 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.22 | $2,007 | $24,087 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Dalton) | $28.95 |
| 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 Dalton, GA earn a median of $60,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.94% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.50% below the Georgia state average of $62,406.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.95/hr = $36,131/year (purchasing power: $38,809).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,218/year (purchasing power: $64,681).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Dalton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Dalton grew 29.1% from $21.44/hr (2019) to $27.67/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.29/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 Dalton 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 Dalton
When considering part-time working hours for an athletic trainer in Dalton, someone working three days a week could take home about **$54,016** annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem and agency trainers tend to enjoy flexible scheduling and often benefit from higher earnings; for instance, those in industrial settings may charge **$50-$80** an hour, while game-day coverage for college bowl games could yield between **$200 and $1,000** depending on the event. Hourly rates fluctuate based on employer type. High school athletic trainers generally receive lower compensation compared to those in professional sports leagues or industrial health settings. Choosing between higher hourly rates or the security of benefits is a common trade-off many face. Negotiation skills can be essential in this market, especially in Dalton, where awareness of competitive rates and knowledge of industry standards can significantly impact earning potential.
More salary data for Dalton, 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 Dalton. 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 Dalton 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