Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Elmhurst, IL: $28.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Elmhurst, IL runs $28.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,087 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Elmhurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,053 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For athletic trainers in Elmhurst, Illinois, the projected hourly pay stands at $28.89 as of 2026, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate is crucial for those considering part-time or per-diem roles, which are often found in high school athletic training rooms, college sports facilities, and various clinics. A part-time athletic trainer working three days per week may find this hourly pay to yield a reasonable income while allowing for flexibility, though it’s essential to note that actual earnings can vary widely. The hourly range for athletic trainers in Elmhurst spans from $23.07 for entry-level positions up to $39.14 for experienced trainers, providing diverse opportunities depending on experience and setting.
About the Elmhurst 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) | $23.07 | $184.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.73 | $205.83 |
| Median (P50) | $28.89 | $231.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.70 | $269.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.14 | $313.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elmhurst
Based on $28.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.89/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elmhurst, IL can expect to earn approximately $60,088 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,666. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elmhurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elmhurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,155.53 | $5,007 | $60,088 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $693.32 | $3,004 | $36,053 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $462.21 | $2,003 | $24,035 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Elmhurst) | $28.89 |
| 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 Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $60,087 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.14% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $63,517.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.89/hr = $36,053/year (purchasing power: $37,129).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,088/year (purchasing power: $61,882).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Elmhurst grew 29.1% from $21.39/hr (2019) to $27.61/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.23/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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst
Looking deeper into the earning potential, if an athletic trainer works part-time, say 24 hours a week, this translates to an annual income of roughly $36,000, significantly less than what full-time trainers might earn. For those in per-diem scenarios, game coverage can typically net earnings between $200-$500 per event, highlighting lucrative opportunities in collegiate or professional settings. The hourly rates certainly vary—with industrial settings, such as those at Toyota or Boeing, often offering salaries at $50-$80 per hour, which is considerably above what is offered by school or outpatient climates. Athletic trainers may choose to accept lower pay for jobs that include health insurance, which can be a trade-off in the industry. When negotiating hourly rates, particularly in Elmhurst, it can be beneficial to highlight specialized skills or past experiences that align with a specific employer’s needs, ensuring trainers secure the compensation that best reflects their qualifications.
More salary data for Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst. 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 Elmhurst 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