Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Hilo, HI: $35.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Hilo, HI runs $35.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,054 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Hilo's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,436 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Hilo, Hawaii, can anticipate a median hourly rate of $35.61 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median of $31.45. This rate provides enhanced opportunities for part-time and per-diem positions often found in high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, professional sports team training rooms, industrial workplaces, military bases, and outpatient clinics. For those entering the field, hourly wages will vary from $28.62 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $49.63 for the most experienced trainers (90th percentile). This strong hourly compensation reflects the specialized skills required in athletic training, particularly as the profession now mandates a master’s degree due to the 2022 transition, influencing both entry level and advanced salary expectations across the board.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.62 | $228.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.85 | $254.79 |
| Median (P50) | $35.61 | $284.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.48 | $339.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.63 | $397.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilo
Based on $35.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.61/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilo, HI can expect to earn approximately $74,060 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,727. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hilo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,424.22 | $6,172 | $74,060 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $854.53 | $3,703 | $44,436 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $569.69 | $2,469 | $29,624 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Hilo) | $35.61 |
| 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 Hilo, HI earn a median of $74,054 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $78,034.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.61/hr = $44,436/year (purchasing power: $37,247).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,060/year (purchasing power: $62,078).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Hilo grew 29.1% from $26.37/hr (2019) to $34.03/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.25/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 Hilo 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 Hilo
When evaluating the earning potential for athletic trainers, those working part-time—say three days a week for 24 hours—will take home a considerably lower annual income than their full-time counterparts, impacting their overall financial planning and benefits needs. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Hilo can vary widely, with coverage for events and games typically yielding between $200 and $500 each, while industrial roles can command rates from $50 to $80 per hour at larger facilities like Toyota or Boeing. Additionally, stipend opportunities for coverage during significant college events may range from $200 to $1,000. Different employer types in Hilo offer diverse pay scales; for example, secondary schools often provide lower hourly rates than collegiate or professional teams, but may include more favorable work-life balance and benefits such as health insurance. Trainers must carefully consider the trade-offs between higher pay with fewer benefits in the private sector versus more stable roles that include comprehensive health coverage. It's advisable for hourly workers to approach negotiations thoughtfully, advocating for rates that reflect both their skills and the specific market conditions unique to Hilo, HI.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Hilo in 2026?
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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 Hilo. 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 Hilo 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