Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Merrillville, IN: $30.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Merrillville, IN runs $30.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,602 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Merrillville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,168 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Merrillville, Indiana, athletic trainers earn a median hourly wage of $30.58, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate reflects the diverse settings that athletic trainers operate within, including high schools, colleges, professional teams, and industrial clinics. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly pay translates to an annual income that can support a reasonable lifestyle, especially in an area with a cost of living index of 91.3. The hourly pay range for athletic trainers varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $24.19 (P10) and experienced trainers earning up to $42.17 (P90), showcasing the potential for growth in this field. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, adapting them to reflect the realities of hourly work.
About the Merrillville Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.19 | $193.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.07 | $216.54 |
| Median (P50) | $30.58 | $244.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.21 | $289.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.17 | $337.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merrillville
Based on $30.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.58/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merrillville, IN can expect to earn approximately $63,613 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,700. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Merrillville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merrillville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,223.33 | $5,301 | $63,613 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $734.00 | $3,181 | $38,168 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $489.33 | $2,120 | $25,445 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Merrillville) | $30.58 |
| 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 Merrillville, IN earn a median of $63,602 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.77% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.10% below the Indiana state average of $66,322.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.58/hr = $38,168/year (purchasing power: $41,805).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,613/year (purchasing power: $69,675).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Merrillville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Merrillville grew 29.1% from $22.65/hr (2019) to $29.23/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.00/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 Merrillville 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 Merrillville
Part-time athletic trainers, working approximately 24 hours per week, can anticipate an annual income of around $38,000, which is considerably lower than a full-time salary but still provides flexibility. Opportunities for per diem work offer additional earning potential. Coverage for games typically brings in between $200-$500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers can earn between $50-$80 an hour for consulting at corporate facilities like Toyota and Boeing. Hourly rates can vary based on the specific employer, with those in secondary schools typically earning less than peers in college athletics or professional sports settings. Many trainers must weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates with health insurance and job security against the prospect of higher pay in less stable per diem positions. Negotiating effectively in Merrillville—such as highlighting specialized skills or certifications—can significantly impact hourly pay and benefits packages.
More salary data for Merrillville, 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 Merrillville. 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 Merrillville 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