Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in West Lafayette, IN: $33.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in West Lafayette, IN runs $33.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,222 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against West Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,537 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in West Lafayette, Indiana, earn a median hourly rate of $33.28, which notably surpasses the national median of $31.45. This competitive pay scale demonstrates the demand for skilled professionals in various environments such as high schools, colleges, and professional sports teams, as well as less traditional settings like industrial workplace clinics and military bases. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly rate provides essential financial support, making the profession appealing for individuals seeking flexible schedules. The projected hourly range for athletic trainers in West Lafayette spans from $27.08 for entry-level positions up to $46.86 for experienced trainers, indicating diverse earning potential within the field.
About the West Lafayette 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) | $27.08 | $216.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.02 | $240.15 |
| Median (P50) | $33.28 | $266.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.90 | $319.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.86 | $374.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Lafayette
Based on $33.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.28/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Lafayette, IN can expect to earn approximately $69,228 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,939. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,331.31 | $5,769 | $69,228 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $798.79 | $3,461 | $41,537 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $532.52 | $2,308 | $27,691 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (West Lafayette) | $33.28 |
| 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 West Lafayette, IN earn a median of $69,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.82% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 4.40% above the Indiana state average of $66,305.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.28/hr = $41,537/year (purchasing power: $45,495).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,228/year (purchasing power: $75,825).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in West Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in West Lafayette grew 29.1% from $24.65/hr (2019) to $31.81/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.82/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 West 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 West Lafayette
When considering part-time work, a trainer working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate earns approximately $41,000 annually, a respectable income yet significantly lower than what full-time trainers can achieve. The per diem athletic trainer pay in West Lafayette can further enhance earnings, with compensation for event coverage ranging from $200 to $500 per occasion, while industrial settings may offer rates between $50 and $80 per hour, making those roles appealing for their financial advantages. Additionally, working for secondary schools, NCAA colleges, professional teams, or industrial clients can lead to varying pay structures, often influenced by the benefits provided. Some trainers may choose lower hourly rates for the security of health insurance, highlighting the value of negotiating compensation packages that align with personal and professional needs. By understanding local market trends and employer demands, athletic trainers can better navigate their earning potential in West Lafayette.
More salary data for West Lafayette, 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 West 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
Salary data for West Lafayette 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