Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Meridian, ID: $30.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Meridian, ID runs $30.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,574 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,541 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Athletic trainers in Meridian, ID, earn a median hourly rate of $30.08, slightly below the national hourly median of $31.45. This figure primarily represents full-time professionals, reflecting pay in varied settings including high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, military installations, and outpatient clinics. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, this hourly wage translates to around $624.48 weekly, or approximately $32,254 annually, which may or may not meet their financial needs depending on personal circumstances. In terms of per-diem roles, hourly rates can fluctuate significantly, with earnings for entry-level positions starting around $23.70 and experienced trainers reaching up to $43.92 per hour, depending on factors such as employer type and specific responsibilities.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.70 | $189.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.80 | $214.37 |
| Median (P50) | $30.08 | $240.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.53 | $284.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.92 | $351.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $30.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.08/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, ID can expect to earn approximately $62,569 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,097. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,203.24 | $5,214 | $62,569 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.95 | $3,128 | $37,541 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.30 | $2,086 | $25,027 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Meridian) | $30.08 |
| 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 Meridian, ID earn a median of $62,574 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.34% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $62,325.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.08/hr = $37,541/year (purchasing power: $39,393).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,569/year (purchasing power: $65,655).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Meridian grew 29.1% from $22.28/hr (2019) to $28.75/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.47/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 Meridian 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 Meridian
For part-time athletic trainers, working just three days a week can yield an annual take-home income that is considerably less than that of those in full-time positions. Per-diem athletic trainer pay in Meridian varies widely; covering events can net professionals between $200 to $500, whereas contract work in industrial settings may offer hourly rates of $50-$80. Athletic trainers in collegiate programs and professional sports franchises often command higher pay, with some bowl game stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000. However, trainers must balance potential high hourly rates against job security and benefits; positions with lower pay often provide essential healthcare and retirement options that many professionals value. For those negotiating pay, especially in Meridian's unique job market, understanding the expectations for hourly compensation in different settings—including the industrial versus traditional sports divide—can empower trainers to secure a more favorable contract.
More salary data for Meridian, ID:
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 Meridian. 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 Meridian 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