Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Park Ridge, IL: $29.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Park Ridge, IL runs $29.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,073 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Park Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,640 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Park Ridge, Illinois, the 2026 projected athletic trainer hourly pay stands at $29.36. This figure falls short of the national median hourly rate of $31.45, indicating a competitive job market for local professionals. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a potential income of approximately $22,000 annually, which may not fully meet living expenses. Per-diem opportunities can provide a considerable boost, with pay rates ranging from $200 to $500 per event, especially for those covering games or events in various settings, including high schools, colleges, and professional sports teams. The hourly pay ranges from $24.22 for entry-level positions to as high as $40.70 for the most experienced trainers, offering a spectrum of earning potential based on experience and work settings.
About the Park Ridge 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) | $24.22 | $193.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.73 | $213.86 |
| Median (P50) | $29.36 | $234.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.70 | $269.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.70 | $325.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Park Ridge
Based on $29.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.36/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Park Ridge, IL can expect to earn approximately $61,067 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,231. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Park Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Park Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,174.37 | $5,089 | $61,067 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $704.62 | $3,053 | $36,640 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.75 | $2,036 | $24,427 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Park Ridge) | $29.36 |
| 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 Park Ridge, IL earn a median of $61,073 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.64% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $63,485.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.36/hr = $36,640/year (purchasing power: $37,735).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,067/year (purchasing power: $62,891).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Park Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Park Ridge grew 29.1% from $21.74/hr (2019) to $28.06/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.72/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 Park Ridge 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 Park Ridge
Exploring the financial realities further, a part-time athletic trainer working 24 hours per week may find their income severely constrained compared to full-time peers. Many athletic trainers opt for per-diem positions due to their flexibility, though these roles often come with variable earnings. For instance, industrial athletic trainers working with corporate clients such as Toyota or Boeing may command higher hourly rates, often ranging from $50 to $80, reflecting the disparity between traditional school settings and occupational health environments. Compensation can also vary significantly depending on the employment type, with secondary school roles typically offering less than positions at NCAA colleges or professional teams. When negotiating pay in Park Ridge, athletic trainers should consider not only the hourly rate but also the benefits package, as some employers may offer lower wages but provide health insurance and retirement plans that can significantly enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Park Ridge, 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 Park Ridge. 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 Park Ridge 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