Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Valparaiso, IN: $31.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Valparaiso, IN runs $31.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,403 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Valparaiso's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,239 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Valparaiso, Indiana, can expect a median hourly pay of $31.44, which is nearly on par with the national median of $31.45. This rate provides a solid earning foundation for part-time and per diem workers in settings that include high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional sports organizations. For trainers working three days a week, the potential for a flexible schedule complements a competitive hourly income that ranges from $24.55 for entry-level positions to $42.10 for experienced top earners. It's essential to note that these hourly figures are estimated from annual salary data, giving prospective trainers insight into expected compensation for this crucial health profession in their local context.
About the Valparaiso 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) | $24.55 | $196.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.70 | $221.56 |
| Median (P50) | $31.44 | $251.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.37 | $290.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.10 | $336.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valparaiso
Based on $31.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.44/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valparaiso, IN can expect to earn approximately $65,398 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,730. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Valparaiso.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valparaiso
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,257.65 | $5,450 | $65,398 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $754.59 | $3,270 | $39,239 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $503.06 | $2,180 | $26,159 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Valparaiso) | $31.44 |
| 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 Valparaiso, IN earn a median of $65,403 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.02% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.40% below the Indiana state average of $66,332.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.44/hr = $39,239/year (purchasing power: $42,978).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,398/year (purchasing power: $71,630).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Valparaiso (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Valparaiso grew 29.1% from $23.28/hr (2019) to $30.05/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.90/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 Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso
Looking more closely at the earning potential for part-time athletic trainers in Valparaiso, someone working a three-day-per-week schedule would take home approximately $39,000 annually, a stark contrast to the full-time earnings of $65,403. The per diem opportunities can significantly vary; coverage for events may earn trainers between $200 to $500 per game, while industrial settings may offer hourly rates ranging from $50 to $80. Additionally, collegiate and professional sports events could provide stipends that reach up to $1,000 for specialized coverage. However, athletic trainers must often navigate the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits versus lower rates with more comprehensive health packages. When negotiating, it's beneficial to understand the unique requirements and standards of different employers, as hourly rates can fluctuate widely between secondary schools, colleges, industrial health environments like Toyota or FedEx, military bases, and outpatient clinics.
More salary data for Valparaiso, 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 Valparaiso. 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 Valparaiso 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