Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Decatur, IL: $30.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Decatur, IL runs $30.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,404 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,638 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Decatur, Illinois, athletic trainers earn a median hourly pay of $30.96, which falls slightly below the national median hourly rate of $31.45. This hourly wage caters to various working arrangements, including part-time positions and per-diem contracts often found in high schools, colleges, and professional sports settings. For those working three days a week, the pay can adjust noticeably based on hours committed, while per-diem athletic trainer pay in Decatur can vary, with rates generally ranging from $23.91 for entry-level positions to up to $43.11 for top earners. These hourly rates, derived from projected annual salaries, reflect the evolving demand for athletic trainers in diverse environments, including athletic facilities, military bases, and industrial workplaces.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.91 | $191.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.13 | $217.04 |
| Median (P50) | $30.96 | $247.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.66 | $293.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.11 | $344.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $30.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.96/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, IL can expect to earn approximately $64,397 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,152. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,238.40 | $5,366 | $64,397 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $743.04 | $3,220 | $38,638 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $495.36 | $2,147 | $25,759 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Decatur) | $30.96 |
| 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 Decatur, IL earn a median of $64,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.55% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.40% above the Illinois state average of $63,515.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.96/hr = $38,638/year (purchasing power: $39,792).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,397/year (purchasing power: $66,320).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Decatur grew 29.1% from $22.93/hr (2019) to $29.59/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.39/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 Decatur 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 Decatur
When considering the financial implications of part-time roles at 24 hours per week, athletic trainers in Decatur would earn considerably less on an annual basis compared to their full-time counterparts. This discrepancy prompts some trainers to explore per-diem opportunities, which can reward them with sizable paychecks—typically $200 to $500 per event for game coverage, or $50 to $80 per hour in industrial settings where contractors are employed. The earning potential can differ markedly depending on the employer; for instance, secondary schools typically offer lower hourly rates, while positions in collegiate athletics or industrial health settings like Toyota or Boeing can provide higher compensation. Balancing hourly pay with the benefits that some employers offer is a common consideration, as trainers may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health insurance. For those negotiating their pay in Decatur, understanding local industry standards and the value of benefits can be crucial in ensuring a satisfactory compensation package.
More salary data for Decatur, 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 Decatur. 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 Decatur 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