Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Indianapolis, IN: $31.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Indianapolis, IN runs $31.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,304 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Indianapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,787 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Athletic trainers in Indianapolis, Indiana, earn a median hourly rate of $31.88, which is slightly above the national median of $31.45. This competitive hourly pay reflects the diverse settings where athletic trainers operate, including high schools, collegiate athletic departments, professional team environments, and various outpatient clinics. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week or in per-diem roles, this translates to approximately $2,556 per month or $30,672 annually based on a 24-hour workweek. Additionally, the hourly range spans from about $25.96 at entry-level positions to as much as $38.58 for top earners in the field, confirming the potential for growth and specialization within Indianapolis.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.96 | $207.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.51 | $244.08 |
| Median (P50) | $31.88 | $255.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.15 | $305.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.58 | $308.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Indianapolis
Based on $31.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.88/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Indianapolis, IN can expect to earn approximately $66,312 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,257. With a cost-of-living index of 95.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Indianapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Indianapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,275.23 | $5,526 | $66,312 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $765.14 | $3,316 | $39,787 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.09 | $2,210 | $26,525 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Indianapolis) | $31.88 |
| 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 Indianapolis, IN earn a median of $66,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.36% higher than the national median of $65,415.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.88/hr = $39,787/year (purchasing power: $41,577).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,312/year (purchasing power: $69,294).
CoL index: 95.696 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Indianapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Indianapolis grew 35.0% from $22.58/hr (2019) to $30.47/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.36/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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis
Analyzing the full-time versus part-time earnings provides further insight into the financial dynamics of this profession. While a full-time athletic trainer can expect to make a steady income, those in per-diem roles can earn between $200 to $1,000 for individual game coverage or specific events, depending on the employer. The nuances of the job can lead to significant earnings variability: for instance, athletic trainers in industrial health roles may command up to $80/hr, especially in settings like factories or large corporations such as Toyota or FedEx. However, many athletic trainers must weigh the benefits of health insurance and job stability against potentially higher hourly rates without benefits. When negotiating salaries or contracts, it’s crucial to be aware of these variables, as many Indianapolis employers offer different compensation packages based on the work setting, providing opportunities for both financial fulfillment and job satisfaction in this evolving field.
More salary data for Indianapolis, IN:
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 Indianapolis. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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