Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Lafayette, IN: $33.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Lafayette, IN runs $33.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,322 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,190 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lafayette, Indiana, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $33.81, surpassing the national median of $31.45. This difference can significantly impact part-time and per-diem workers who might cover shifts in various settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, or outpatient clinics. For instance, those in entry-level positions may start at approximately $24.85, while experienced professionals can earn up to around $36.02 per hour. This hourly data, sourced from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data for 2026, reflects a healthy environment for athletic trainers seeking flexible work arrangements, whether part-time just three days a week or engaging in per-diem opportunities.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.85 | $198.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.25 | $266.01 |
| Median (P50) | $33.81 | $270.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.81 | $270.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.02 | $288.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $33.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.81/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, IN can expect to earn approximately $70,316 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,567. With a cost-of-living index of 93.43 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,352.24 | $5,860 | $70,316 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $811.34 | $3,516 | $42,190 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $540.90 | $2,344 | $28,127 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Lafayette) | $33.81 |
| 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 Lafayette, IN earn a median of $70,322 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.50% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 6.10% above the Indiana state average of $66,279.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.81/hr = $42,190/year (purchasing power: $45,157).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,316/year (purchasing power: $75,261).
CoL index: 93.43 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lafayette grew 29.1% from $25.03/hr (2019) to $32.31/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.37/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
Examining the part-time earning potential reveals that an athletic trainer working three days a week at 24 hours would earn approximately $42,000 annually, which contrasts sharply with the full-time counterpart. Per-diem athletic trainer pay in Lafayette can vary; while coverage for a game might net $200-$500, occupational contracts at larger employers like Toyota and Boeing can see hourly rates bill out at $50-$80. Seasonal or event-driven roles within college sports, such as playoff coverage, might offer stipends between $200-$1,000. There's often a trade-off between lower hourly wages for full-time positions that include benefits and higher pay rates for per-diem work without insurance. Athletic trainers in Lafayette are encouraged to negotiate their contracts, focusing on how their expertise can meet specific employer needs while considering the benefits attached to different job types.
More salary data for Lafayette, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lafayette in 2026?
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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 Lafayette. 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, 3-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