Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Portage, IN: $30.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Portage, IN runs $30.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,045 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Portage's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,429 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Portage, IN earn a median hourly rate of $30.79, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $31.45. This figure plays a significant role for professionals considering part-time or per-diem work in various environments such as high schools, colleges, professional sports training facilities, industrial settings, and outpatient clinics. For those working part-time, especially at three days a week, this hourly rate can help weigh the potential for supplemental income, while per-diem opportunities can be lucrative, though they come with variability. Entry-level trainers can expect an hourly wage starting around $24.70, while those in the top 10% can earn up to $42.88, reflecting the broad spectrum of earning potential in the field based upon experience and setting.
About the Portage 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) | $24.70 | $197.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.52 | $220.14 |
| Median (P50) | $30.79 | $246.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.71 | $293.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.88 | $343.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portage
Based on $30.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.79/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portage, IN can expect to earn approximately $64,049 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,951. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Portage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,231.70 | $5,337 | $64,049 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $739.02 | $3,202 | $38,429 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.68 | $2,135 | $25,619 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Portage) | $30.79 |
| 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 Portage, IN earn a median of $64,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.09% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.40% below the Indiana state average of $66,299.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.79/hr = $38,429/year (purchasing power: $42,091).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,049/year (purchasing power: $70,152).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Portage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Portage grew 29.1% from $22.80/hr (2019) to $29.43/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.22/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 Portage 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 Portage
Considering the financial implications of the hourly pay reveals distinct pathways for athletic trainers. A trainer working part-time for 24 hours a week at the median rate would take home approximately $38,450 annually, while full-time positions can yield a significantly higher yearly income. Per-diem and contract work in industrial health settings, which often pay between $50-$80 per hour, provide higher financial incentives but come with less job security. Coverage for college events, like bowl games, can bring in $200-$1,000 per event, underscoring the pecuniary benefits. Additionally, hourly rates are influenced by the type of employer; trainers in high schools may earn less compared to those in professional sports teams or large corporate environments. Lastly, negotiating for benefits like health insurance may lead some trainers to opt for positions with lower hourly pay but more comprehensive employee packages, a critical decision in an industry increasingly defined by advanced degree requirements such as the master’s transition as mandated by NATA and CAATE.
More salary data for Portage, 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 Portage. 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 Portage 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