Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Ashland, KY: $32.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Ashland, KY runs $32.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,151 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Ashland's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,884 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ashland, Kentucky, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $32.76, which surpasses the national median of $31.45. This competitive rate reflects the growing demand for professionals in various settings, including high schools, colleges, and industrial clinics. While those in entry-level positions may start at approximately $26.13 per hour, top earners in the field can reach up to $43.34. Trainers working part-time, such as those clocking in three days a week, may find this hourly pay particularly advantageous when balancing work with other commitments, making roles in local high school athletic programs or college facilities appealing. Additionally, per-diem work, typically covering events or specific needs, can further enhance a trainer's earning potential as they navigate variable schedules and workloads.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.13 | $209.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.12 | $232.95 |
| Median (P50) | $32.76 | $262.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.81 | $302.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.34 | $346.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ashland
Based on $32.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.76/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ashland, KY can expect to earn approximately $68,140 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,312. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ashland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ashland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,310.39 | $5,678 | $68,140 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $786.23 | $3,407 | $40,884 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $524.15 | $2,271 | $27,256 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Ashland) | $32.76 |
| 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 Ashland, KY earn a median of $68,151 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.18% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 16.70% above the Kentucky state average of $58,398.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.76/hr = $40,884/year (purchasing power: $45,783).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,140/year (purchasing power: $76,305).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Ashland grew 29.1% from $24.26/hr (2019) to $31.31/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.28/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 Ashland 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 Ashland
For athletic trainers considering part-time roles, working about 24 hours per week translates into an annual income significantly lower than full-time counterparts. If a trainer works this schedule throughout the year, they would earn close to $41,200, offering a glimpse into the financial outcomes of such positions. Given the versatility in the field, per diem athletic trainer pay in Ashland varies by venue—coverage for high school matches may yield $200 to $500 per event, while industrial contractors can see rates of $50 to $80 per hour. While secondary school roles may offer lower hourly rates, they frequently provide benefits which can be attractive compared to the higher pay offered in industrial and occupational health settings, where trainers can earn substantially more but without perks like health insurance. Navigating these choices requires careful consideration, and it's advisable for trainers to discuss current market rates and benefits during negotiations to secure terms that meet their financial needs.
More salary data for Ashland, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 Ashland. 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 Ashland 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