Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Lawrence, KS: $30.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Lawrence, KS runs $30.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,636 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,181 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lawrence, Kansas, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at a median of $30.59, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate reflects both full-time and part-time opportunities for athletic trainers working in diverse settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional sports teams. For those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a flexible earning potential while still providing valuable athletic training services. The hourly wage range for athletic trainers in this area varies from $22.14 at entry-level positions to $41.28 for top earners, showcasing the professional growth opportunities available within the field, according to projections sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data and extending to 2026.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.14 | $177.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.59 | $244.75 |
| Median (P50) | $30.59 | $244.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.43 | $291.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.28 | $330.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $30.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.59/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, KS can expect to earn approximately $63,635 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,713. With a cost-of-living index of 90.24 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,223.75 | $5,303 | $63,635 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $734.25 | $3,182 | $38,181 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $489.50 | $2,121 | $25,454 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Lawrence) | $30.59 |
| 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 Lawrence, KS earn a median of $63,636 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.72% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.00% above the Kansas state average of $59,473.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.59/hr = $38,181/year (purchasing power: $42,309).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,635/year (purchasing power: $70,515).
CoL index: 90.243 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lawrence (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 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lawrence grew 29.1% from $22.65/hr (2019) to $29.24/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.01/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Evaluating earning potential for athletic trainers reveals varied strategies depending on employment arrangements. A part-time athletic trainer working 24 hours a week would take home over $38,000 annually, which can complement other income sources effectively. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Lawrence reflects broader trends in the industry, with game coverage typically offering between $200 and $500 per event and industrial AT positions commanding $50 to $80 per hour. In contrast, collegiate settings may provide stipends ranging significantly—between $200 and $1,000—depending on the event. Hourly rates differ across employment types; for instance, athletic trainers in secondary schools generally earn less compared to those in college athletics or occupational health. While some might choose higher hourly rates that lack benefits, many athletic trainers find value in lower-paying roles that offer health insurance and job stability. For those negotiating hourly wages, understanding the diverse needs of employers—from high schools to manufacturing settings like Toyota or Boeing—can reveal pathways to secure a favorable compensation package.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
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 Lawrence. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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