Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $30.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Joliet, IL runs $30.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,109 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,868 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joliet, IL, athletic trainers can expect a median hourly pay of $30.34, slightly below the national median of $31.45 per hour. This pay scale reflects the profession's dynamics within various settings—ranging from high school training rooms to college athletic facilities and professional team environments. For athletic trainers working part-time, specifically those logged at three days a week, this hourly wage signals potential to earn a respectable income, particularly when compared to other professions in the area. The hourly wage range is quite broad, with entry-level positions starting at $23.45 and top earners in the field reaching up to $43.76. As these figures are derived from projected estimates based on annual salary data, they provide valuable insight into what professionals can anticipate in the Joliet job market.
About the Joliet 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) | $23.45 | $187.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.66 | $213.28 |
| Median (P50) | $30.34 | $242.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.61 | $292.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.76 | $350.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $30.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.34/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $63,113 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,411. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,213.71 | $5,259 | $63,113 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $728.22 | $3,156 | $37,868 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.48 | $2,104 | $25,245 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Joliet) | $30.34 |
| 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 Joliet, IL earn a median of $63,109 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.53% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $63,490.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.34/hr = $37,868/year (purchasing power: $38,999).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,113/year (purchasing power: $64,998).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Joliet grew 29.1% from $22.47/hr (2019) to $29.00/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.75/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 Joliet 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 Joliet
Considering the benefits and avenues for compensation in this profession provides further context for athletic trainer hourly pay in Joliet. Part-time athletic trainers working 24 hours a week might bring home an annual income that still allows for comfortable living, although it often lags behind full-time positions. Per diem or agency roles further illustrate the flexible nature of the field; these professionals typically earn between $200 and $500 per event for game coverage. On an hourly basis, industrial athletic trainers at larger facilities, such as those stemming from manufacturing backgrounds like Toyota, may earn $50 to $80 per hour. The variability in compensation based on the type of employer adds complexity to the job market; secondary schools may pay less compared to larger institutions or professional sports teams. While some may opt for lower hourly wages in school environments to gain the security of health benefits, negotiating appropriately can lead to better hourly rates, especially in fields where insurance is less of a concern.
More salary data for Joliet, 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 Joliet. 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 Joliet 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