Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Hays, KS: $26.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Hays, KS runs $26.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,674 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Hays's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,402 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hays, Kansas, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at a median rate of $26.76, which significantly trails the national median of $31.45. This discrepancy reflects the local salary structure where entry-level salaries begin around $22.98 (P10) and top earners can earn up to $36.13 (P90). For part-time athletic trainers working three days per week, translating this hourly rate means earning roughly $1,071 monthly for 24 hours of work, while per-diem trainers might find variable income depending on how many events they cover, which is a critical aspect in settings like high schools, colleges, and professional sports teams. With the growing industrial trend, trainers in clinical or occupational settings may find more lucrative opportunities compared to traditional athletic settings in schools or colleges, where the pay can be lower despite similar responsibilities and expertise.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.98 | $183.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.91 | $199.30 |
| Median (P50) | $26.76 | $214.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.40 | $251.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.13 | $289.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hays
Based on $26.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.76/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hays, KS can expect to earn approximately $55,670 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,117. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hays.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hays
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,070.57 | $4,639 | $55,670 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $642.34 | $2,783 | $33,402 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $428.23 | $1,856 | $22,268 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Hays) | $26.76 |
| 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 Hays, KS earn a median of $55,674 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $59,480.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.76/hr = $33,402/year (purchasing power: $36,746).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,670/year (purchasing power: $61,243).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Hays grew 29.1% from $19.82/hr (2019) to $25.58/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.00/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 Hays 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 Hays
Considering the financial implications of part-time work, an athletic trainer in Hays working only three days a week could expect to take home around $12,840 annually, significantly less compared to a full-time position's annual earnings. In terms of per diem athletic trainer pay in Hays, coverage for events can net $200 to $500 per game, with industrial settings—like those for large corporations such as Toyota or FedEx—hiring contractors at rates between $50 and $80 per hour. Hourly rates also vary widely depending on employer type; for instance, positions in competitive collegiate environments or professional leagues can command higher hourly rates due to the increased demand and specialized skills. Many athletic trainers choose to accept lower hourly salaries at school settings in exchange for health benefits not typically offered in contract or per diem roles. Those negotiating for hourly work in Hays should clearly understand their value based on their educational background and certifications, particularly since the athletic training profession now requires a master’s degree following the transition in 2022, which enhances their bargaining power in any job offer.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Hays in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Hays?
Are athletic trainers in Hays paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Hays?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Hays?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Hays. 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 Hays 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