Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Ruston, LA: $30.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Ruston, LA runs $30.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,909 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Ruston's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,750 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ruston, Louisiana, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at $30.25, slightly below the national median of $31.45. This hourly rate shapes the earnings for part-time professionals, allowing those working three days a week to maintain a viable income while honing their skills. Many athletic trainers operate in diverse environments ranging from high school and college athletic facilities to professional sports teams and industrial workplace clinics. Within this labor market, hourly pay varies significantly, with entry-level trainers earning $24.81 while top earners can see rates as high as $40.63. This distribution of pay indicates that career opportunities are available for both seasoned professionals and those just entering the field.
About the Ruston Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.81 | $198.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.29 | $218.30 |
| Median (P50) | $30.25 | $241.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.29 | $282.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.63 | $325.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ruston
Based on $30.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.25/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ruston, LA can expect to earn approximately $62,917 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,298. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ruston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ruston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,209.94 | $5,243 | $62,917 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $725.96 | $3,146 | $37,750 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $483.98 | $2,097 | $25,167 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Ruston) | $30.25 |
| 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 Ruston, LA earn a median of $62,909 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $65,394.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.25/hr = $37,750/year (purchasing power: $41,805).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,917/year (purchasing power: $69,675).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Ruston grew 29.1% from $22.40/hr (2019) to $28.91/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.65/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 Ruston 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 Ruston
Transitioning to a focus on part-time opportunities, a Ruston athletic trainer working only 24 hours a week can earn a solid income, though it may not be as lucrative as full-time positions. For example, those committed to per diem opportunities can earn substantial compensation at events, sometimes between $200 to $500 per game. Industrial settings often provide higher hourly wages, making roles with large employers like Toyota and FedEx appealing. This disparity prompts some trainers to choose positions that offer health benefits despite lower hourly pay. In negotiating salaries in Ruston, it may be beneficial for trainers to emphasize their specialized education, particularly in light of the recent shift to a master’s degree requirement, increasing their leverage in discussions about both base hourly compensation and benefits packages. Understanding the market trends and employer needs can enhance an athletic trainer's overall earning potential in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Ruston, LA:
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 Ruston. 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 Ruston 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