Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Rockford, IL: $30.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Rockford, IL runs $30.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,001 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Rockford's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,802 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rockford, Illinois, the projected hourly median pay for athletic trainers stands at $30.29, a figure slightly below the national median hourly rate of $31.45. This discrepancy suggests that athletic trainers operating in various environments, from high schools to professional sports facilities, might experience different financial outcomes based on their employment settings. For those considering part-time work—perhaps in a high school training room only three days a week—their expected take-home could provide a stable income, though still limited compared to full-time positions. The hourly wage range varies significantly, starting at approximately $23.30 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $44.62 for experienced practitioners, reflecting the diverse nature of roles within this profession.
About the Rockford 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) | $23.30 | $186.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.56 | $212.44 |
| Median (P50) | $30.29 | $242.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.18 | $297.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.62 | $357.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rockford
Based on $30.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.29/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rockford, IL can expect to earn approximately $63,004 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,348. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rockford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rockford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,211.62 | $5,250 | $63,004 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $726.97 | $3,150 | $37,802 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $484.65 | $2,100 | $25,202 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Rockford) | $30.29 |
| 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 Rockford, IL earn a median of $63,001 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.69% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.80% below the Illinois state average of $63,509.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.29/hr = $37,802/year (purchasing power: $38,931).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,004/year (purchasing power: $64,886).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Rockford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Rockford grew 29.1% from $22.43/hr (2019) to $28.95/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.69/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 Rockford 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 Rockford
When examining the potential earnings from part-time and per-diem opportunities in Rockford, the financial realities reveal valuable insights for aspiring athletic trainers. For a worker engaged part-time at a 24-hour schedule per week, the annual take-home would be roughly $37,370, substantially less than their full-time counterparts who earn more. Additionally, per diem athletic trainer pay in Rockford can range widely; for example, game coverage can net between $200 and $500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers charged at large facilities may command rates of $50 to $80 per hour. Employer type also plays a significant role in determining hourly pay. Athletic trainers in secondary schools typically earn lower rates compared to their colleagues in industrial settings like Toyota or Boeing. Many choose jobs offering lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, with a decision-making process that balances financial gain against job security. Effective strategies in negotiating hourly rates often involve market awareness and understanding local demand for athletic trainers within Rockford’s varied healthcare and sports landscape.
More salary data for Rockford, 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 Rockford. 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 Rockford 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