Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Champaign, IL: $32.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Champaign, IL runs $32.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,428 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Champaign's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,054 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
An athletic trainer in Champaign, Illinois, earns a median hourly pay of $32.90, which is higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This favorable rate allows for a variety of working arrangements in typical environments such as high school training rooms, collegiate athletic facilities, professional team training rooms, and even industrial clinics. For part-time athletic trainers working approximately three days a week, this translates to a significant income potential, while per-diem workers can find competitive pay depending on their specific engagements. The hourly range spans from $22.42 for entry-level positions to $44.65 for experienced trainers, reflecting a broad spectrum of opportunities available within the field.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.42 | $179.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.47 | $203.74 |
| Median (P50) | $32.90 | $263.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.35 | $266.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.65 | $357.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Champaign
Based on $32.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.90/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Champaign, IL can expect to earn approximately $68,423 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,475. With a cost-of-living index of 92.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Champaign.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Champaign
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,315.83 | $5,702 | $68,423 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $789.50 | $3,421 | $41,054 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $526.33 | $2,281 | $27,369 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Champaign) | $32.90 |
| 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 Champaign, IL earn a median of $68,428 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.61% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 7.70% above the Illinois state average of $63,536.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.90/hr = $41,054/year (purchasing power: $44,285).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,423/year (purchasing power: $73,808).
CoL index: 92.704 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Champaign (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Champaign grew 19.8% from $26.24/hr (2019) to $31.44/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.42/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 Champaign 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 Champaign
Engagement as a part-time athletic trainer could yield approximately $25,000 annually for someone working a 24-hour week, which contrasts significantly with the earnings of full-time professionals. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Champaign varies widely, with rates for game coverage often falling between $200 and $500 per event. Industrial and occupational settings commonly offer pay rates of $50 to $80 per hour due to the specialized nature of the work. Athletic trainers at secondary schools might earn less in hourly wages compared to their counterparts in NCAA colleges or professional sports organizations. However, many trainers prioritize job security and health benefits that come with full-time positions, even if it means accepting a lower hourly rate. Negotiating hourly pay in Champaign can be advantageous; knowing the local market and understanding employer expectations can enhance an athletic trainer's overall compensation strategy.
More salary data for Champaign, IL:
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 Champaign. 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, 4-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