Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Paducah, KY: $26.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Paducah, KY runs $26.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,522 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Paducah's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,311 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paducah, Kentucky, the hourly pay for athletic trainers is projected to be $26.69 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.45, reflecting regional variations in pay that may influence part-time or per-diem work. Athletic trainers working three days a week, or in casual settings such as high school training rooms, college facilities, or athlete clinics, will find that this hourly wage can provide a decent income, depending on hours worked. The range for hourly pay spans from $21.52 for entry-level positions to as high as $37.35 for more experienced trainers, offering varying opportunities in both educational and professional sports environments.
About the Paducah 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) | $21.52 | $172.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.93 | $191.43 |
| Median (P50) | $26.69 | $213.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.86 | $254.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.35 | $298.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paducah
Based on $26.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.69/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paducah, KY can expect to earn approximately $55,518 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,029. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Paducah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paducah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,067.64 | $4,626 | $55,518 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $640.59 | $2,776 | $33,311 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $427.06 | $1,851 | $22,207 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Paducah) | $26.69 |
| 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 Paducah, KY earn a median of $55,522 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 5.00% below the Kentucky state average of $58,444.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.69/hr = $33,311/year (purchasing power: $37,302).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,518/year (purchasing power: $62,170).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Paducah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Paducah grew 29.1% from $19.76/hr (2019) to $25.51/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.93/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 Paducah 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 Paducah
The earning potential for athletic trainers in Paducah can differ significantly depending on their employment type. For those opting for part-time work at 24 hours per week, the annual take-home pay aligns closely with that of full-time trainers, though benefits might be limited. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Paducah can be highly variable, often fetching between $200 and $500 per event, while industrial settings like Toyota or FedEx may offer rates from $50 to $80 per hour due to the specialized nature of on-site care. Additionally, hourly rates can fluctuate based on the type of employer, with high school athletic trainers typically earning less than their counterparts in colleges, military, or private clinics. When considering employment offers, trainers should weigh the benefits package against hourly pay, as some may accept lower wages in exchange for health insurance and other advantages. Practical negotiation strategies, such as emphasizing unique skills or additional certifications, can also help enhance compensation.
More salary data for Paducah, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Paducah in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Paducah. 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 Paducah 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