Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Cambridge, MA: $35.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Cambridge, MA runs $35.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,413 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Cambridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,044 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Cambridge, Massachusetts, earn a median hourly rate of $35.29, significantly above the national median of $31.45. This higher rate reflects the competitive job market and cost of living in the area, which is notably elevated, with a cost of living index of 108.5. The hourly pay range varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at $25.84 and experienced professionals earning up to $50.35 per hour. For those working in typical environments like high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, or professional team training rooms, this means lucrative options for both part-time (for instance, 24 hours a week) and per-diem opportunities. Estimates suggest that athletic trainers can navigate their roles flexibly, accommodating diverse work settings like military bases and outpatient clinics while benefitting from an hourly wage assessed from annual salary data.
About the Cambridge 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) | $25.84 | $206.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.93 | $239.48 |
| Median (P50) | $35.29 | $282.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.26 | $338.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.35 | $402.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cambridge
Based on $35.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.29/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cambridge, MA can expect to earn approximately $73,407 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,350. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cambridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cambridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,411.67 | $6,117 | $73,407 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $847.00 | $3,670 | $44,044 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $564.67 | $2,447 | $29,363 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Cambridge) | $35.29 |
| 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 Cambridge, MA earn a median of $73,413 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.40% above the Massachusetts state average of $70,999.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.29/hr = $44,044/year (purchasing power: $40,594).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,407/year (purchasing power: $67,656).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Cambridge grew 29.1% from $26.13/hr (2019) to $33.73/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.93/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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a 3-day work week allows an athletic trainer to earn approximately $45,000 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts; however, this approach provides work-life balance essential for many professionals. Many in the field also opt for per-diem work, where coverage for events can earn between $200 to $500 per event, or collaborate with industrial clients like Toyota or Boeing, billing $50-$80 per hour. Hourly rates vary across employer types in Cambridge, where secondary schools typically offer lower compensation compared to colleges and professional leagues, which may provide higher pay but require more rigid schedules. Coaches and athletic departments might negotiate rates based on benefit packages. Those willing to sacrifice slight reductions for comprehensive health insurance often find stability in academic environments. Career seekers should stay informed about industry trends and compensation structures when considering hourly positions; practical negotiation tactics specific to Cambridge can enhance earning potential while addressing the ongoing transition spurred by the 2022 master's requirement for entry into the profession.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Cambridge in 2026?
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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 Cambridge. 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 Cambridge 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