Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Elgin, IL: $32.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Elgin, IL runs $32.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,211 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Elgin's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,923 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Elgin, Illinois, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $32.79, slightly above the national median of $31.45. This pay rate reflects the potential for attractive compensation in various settings like high school training rooms, collegiate athletic facilities, and professional sports organizations. For those considering part-time or per-diem work, specializing in event coverage offers promising wages within a typical hourly range of $25.59 to $47.78. Entry-level positions may begin around $25.59, while experienced trainers could approach the upper range as they progress in their careers. Given the transition to a master's degree requirement in athletic training as of 2022, those entering the field are better positioned to command competitive hourly rates compared to previous years.
About the Elgin 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) | $25.59 | $204.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.40 | $227.17 |
| Median (P50) | $32.79 | $262.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.85 | $318.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.78 | $382.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elgin
Based on $32.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.79/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elgin, IL can expect to earn approximately $68,205 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,349. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elgin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elgin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,311.64 | $5,684 | $68,205 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $786.99 | $3,410 | $40,923 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $524.66 | $2,274 | $27,282 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Elgin) | $32.79 |
| 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 Elgin, IL earn a median of $68,211 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.27% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 7.40% above the Illinois state average of $63,512.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.79/hr = $40,923/year (purchasing power: $42,145).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,205/year (purchasing power: $70,242).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Elgin grew 29.1% from $24.28/hr (2019) to $31.34/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.31/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 Elgin 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 Elgin
Working part-time as an athletic trainer in Elgin for three days a week typically means clocking in around 24 hours. This setup could lead to an annual income of about $40,680, significantly lower than full-time counterparts but still providing a viable option for many specialists. For per diem coverage, the earning potential varies considerably, with event pay ranging from $200 to $500 each for game days, making it an appealing choice for those seeking additional income through agency work. In Elgin, hourly rates can fluctuate widely depending on the employer; trainers in high schools often earn less than those in industrial or military settings, where rates can exceed $40-$80 per hour due to the demanding nature of these roles. While some athletic trainers may opt for positions that offer lower hourly rates, they often balance this trade-off with benefits such as health insurance, particularly essential in such a physically demanding occupation. Negotiating hourly pay can be influenced by local demand and the unique skills a trainer brings to the table, especially in an industry that's requiring increasing educational credentials.
More salary data for Elgin, 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 Elgin. 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 Elgin 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