Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Frankfort, KY: $27.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Frankfort, KY runs $27.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,222 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Frankfort's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,329 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
An athletic trainer in Frankfort, Kentucky, earns a median hourly pay of $27.51, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45. This pay rate presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers. In traditional settings such as high schools and colleges, a trainer working three days a week might earn a stable income, while per-diem athletic trainers can significantly boost their earnings by covering events, with rates that vary widely. The hourly range extends from $21.27 at entry-level positions to $39.12 for seasoned professionals. These figures are estimated based on projected annual salary data, reflecting the economic conditions specific to athletic training roles in the region.
About the Frankfort 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) | $21.27 | $170.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.99 | $191.93 |
| Median (P50) | $27.51 | $220.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.18 | $257.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.12 | $312.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Frankfort
Based on $27.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.51/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Frankfort, KY can expect to earn approximately $57,215 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,009. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Frankfort.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Frankfort
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,100.29 | $4,768 | $57,215 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $660.17 | $2,861 | $34,329 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $440.12 | $1,907 | $22,886 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Frankfort) | $27.51 |
| 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 Frankfort, KY earn a median of $57,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.52% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.00% below the Kentucky state average of $58,390.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.51/hr = $34,329/year (purchasing power: $38,442).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,215/year (purchasing power: $64,071).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Frankfort (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Frankfort grew 29.1% from $20.37/hr (2019) to $26.29/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.78/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 Frankfort 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 Frankfort
Focusing on part-time opportunities, an athletic trainer working only three days per week could end up bringing in around $34,128 annually, compared to a full-time role that would yield about $57,222. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Frankfort can range significantly; coverage for a game might net a professional between $200 to $500 depending on the event and client. Conversely, industrial or occupational settings often pay between $50 and $80 per hour, which can greatly increase earning potential. It’s essential for trainers to understand how rates differ from secondary schools, where budgets are tighter, to the more lucrative opportunities within major corporations or professional sports teams. Ultimately, trainers must weigh the benefits of higher hourly pay against the stability and benefits offered by full-time positions, such as health insurance. Successful negotiation strategies for hourly workers typically involve highlighting specialized skills, flexibility in working hours, and a strong understanding of regional pay rates.
More salary data for Frankfort, 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 Frankfort. 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 Frankfort 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