Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Amherst, MA: $33.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Amherst, MA runs $33.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,330 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Amherst's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,203 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Amherst, the projected median hourly pay for an athletic trainer stands at $33.82, which reflects a competitive rate when compared to the national hourly median of $31.45. This pay rate is particularly relevant for part-time athletic trainers, who often work in various environments such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional sport teams, typically on a three-day work week. For those in entry-level positions, hourly wages start at around $25.78, while experienced trainers can earn up to $45.58 per hour, based on the overall salary estimates derived from annual data. The values given illustrate a broad spectrum of pay that can cater to different work schedules, including per-diem roles where trainers may find opportunities to increase earnings in high-demand situations.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.78 | $206.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.27 | $250.19 |
| Median (P50) | $33.82 | $270.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.30 | $314.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.58 | $364.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Amherst
Based on $33.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.82/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Amherst, MA can expect to earn approximately $70,338 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,580. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Amherst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Amherst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,352.66 | $5,862 | $70,338 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $811.59 | $3,517 | $42,203 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $541.06 | $2,345 | $28,135 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Amherst) | $33.82 |
| 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 Amherst, MA earn a median of $70,330 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.51% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $70,969.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.82/hr = $42,203/year (purchasing power: $38,897).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,338/year (purchasing power: $64,828).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Amherst grew 29.1% from $25.04/hr (2019) to $32.32/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.38/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 Amherst 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 Amherst
Taking a closer look at the financial landscape for athletic trainers in 2026 shows some intriguing dynamics, particularly for part-time professionals. A trainer working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $42,000 annually, a stark contrast to the full-time equivalent. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Amherst can be quite lucrative; for instance, event coverage can yield $200 to $500 per occurrence, while roles within industrial settings may command hourly rates of $50 to $80. Athletic trainers working for colleges or professional teams often find that their pay reflects the specific environment—those in school settings may receive lower compensation compared to their counterparts in industrial healthcare or professional sports. As trainers consider their options, negotiating beneficial terms is crucial—some may opt for lower hourly wages with better health insurance benefits while others prefer higher pay without benefits. These choices ultimately shape the working conditions and financial success of athletic trainers in the Amherst, MA area.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Amherst in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Amherst?
Are athletic trainers in Amherst paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Amherst?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Amherst?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Amherst. 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 Amherst 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