Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Des Plaines, IL: $29.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Des Plaines, IL runs $29.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,406 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Des Plaines's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,849 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Plaines, Illinois, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be $29.53 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $31.45 per hour. This rate reflects a variety of work settings typical for athletic trainers, including high school training rooms, collegiate athletic facilities, and professional sports environments. For part-time professionals working around three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a comprehensive compensation plan tailored to their schedules, while also maintaining accessibility to per-diem roles at events. Within Des Plaines, entry-level athletic trainers may earn as low as $22.93 per hour, whereas those with extensive experience can reach the upper echelon of $41.32, showcasing a wide range of opportunities for practitioners at different stages of their careers.
About the Des Plaines 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) | $22.93 | $183.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.30 | $202.40 |
| Median (P50) | $29.53 | $236.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.01 | $280.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.32 | $330.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Plaines
Based on $29.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.53/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Plaines, IL can expect to earn approximately $61,415 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,432. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Plaines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Plaines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,181.06 | $5,118 | $61,415 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $708.64 | $3,071 | $36,849 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $472.43 | $2,047 | $24,566 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Des Plaines) | $29.53 |
| 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 Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $61,406 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.13% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $63,502.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.53/hr = $36,849/year (purchasing power: $37,950).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,415/year (purchasing power: $63,250).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Des Plaines grew 29.1% from $21.86/hr (2019) to $28.22/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.89/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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
When considering part-time positions against full-time work, an athletic trainer employed for 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $36,696 annually, compared to the earnings of their full-time counterparts. Meanwhile, per diem athletic trainer pay in Des Plaines can vary significantly— event coverage often pays between $200 and $500 per occurrence, while industrial contractors charge $50 to $80 per hour depending on client agreements. Employers such as high schools, universities, and industrial settings often influence the variations in hourly compensation. While some athletic trainers opt for roles with lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, others might prioritize higher rates without additional perks. For those entering the job market in Des Plaines, honing negotiation skills is crucial, especially when discussing rates with potential employers across various sectors, including educational institutions and corporate healthcare positions.
More salary data for Des Plaines, 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 Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines 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