Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Laurel, MD: $32.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Laurel, MD runs $32.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,918 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,753 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Laurel, Maryland can expect a median hourly rate of $32.66, which is slightly above the national average of $31.45. This competitive wage is reflective of the local job market and the required educational credentials, as the athletic training profession transitioned to a master's degree as the standard in 2022. For part-time professionals working around three days a week, this translates to an appealing compensation structure for those in high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, or even military bases. Entry-level positions may start at $26.29 per hour, while seasoned athletic trainers can earn as much as $45.58 per hour, allowing for a range of earning potential depending on experience and employer type.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.29 | $210.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.25 | $234.04 |
| Median (P50) | $32.66 | $261.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.01 | $312.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.58 | $364.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $32.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.66/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MD can expect to earn approximately $67,922 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,186. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,306.20 | $5,660 | $67,922 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $783.72 | $3,396 | $40,753 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $522.48 | $2,264 | $27,169 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Laurel) | $32.66 |
| 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 Laurel, MD earn a median of $67,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $71,493.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.66/hr = $40,753/year (purchasing power: $37,286).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,922/year (purchasing power: $62,143).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Laurel grew 29.1% from $24.18/hr (2019) to $31.21/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.17/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
When evaluating part-time earning prospects, a three-day-a-week schedule results in approximately $25,000 annually, a substantial difference compared to full-time compensation. Per-diem and contract roles also offer unique financial opportunities; per diem athletic trainers can make between $200-$500 per event, while industrial AT contractors often charge between $50-$80 an hour at large-scale facilities. College bowl game coverage can yield stipends from $200 to $1,000, depending on the event. Employers vary widely in Laurel from high schools to professional sports teams, impacting hourly rates due to differing budgets and benefits. Consequently, athletic trainers sometimes choose positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and other benefits. Strategic negotiation for hourly rates becomes essential, especially for those looking to maximize their pay while considering the benefits provided by various employers.
More salary data for Laurel, MD:
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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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