Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Chelmsford, MA: $32.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Chelmsford, MA runs $32.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,465 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Chelmsford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,479 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for athletic trainers in 2026 is $32.44, which is notably higher than the national average of $31.45. This hourly rate illustrates a favorable situation for part-time or per-diem workers typically engaged in high school athletic training, college facilities, professional teams, and various healthcare settings. For those working roughly three days a week, the ability to earn this rate translates into steady income opportunities. The pay range extends from approximately $26.02 for entry-level positions to $45.40 for the highest earners in the field, offering a substantial financial benefit relative to the responsibilities handled by athletic trainers in Chelmsford. These figures are based on annual salary data but give an insightful view into the hourly earnings that can influence professionals deciding their career paths.
About the Chelmsford 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) | $26.02 | $208.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.08 | $232.61 |
| Median (P50) | $32.44 | $259.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.71 | $309.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.40 | $363.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelmsford
Based on $32.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.44/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelmsford, MA can expect to earn approximately $67,465 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,922. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelmsford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelmsford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,297.41 | $5,622 | $67,465 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $778.45 | $3,373 | $40,479 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $518.96 | $2,249 | $26,986 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Chelmsford) | $32.44 |
| 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 Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $67,465 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.13% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $70,942.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.44/hr = $40,479/year (purchasing power: $37,308).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,465/year (purchasing power: $62,180).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Chelmsford grew 29.1% from $24.02/hr (2019) to $31.00/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.94/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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
For part-time athletic trainers working a schedule of three days per week, the annual earnings can differ significantly depending on individual scheduling and client's needs. With typical work hours spanning around 24 hours weekly, those earning the local hourly pay might expect a take-home amount of about $40,500 annually, noticeably less than full-time colleagues yet still advantageous for those pursuing flexible work arrangements. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Chelmsford can prove lucrative, ranging from $200 to $500 per event, which is particularly appealing for those seeking additional income. Different employers possess various compensation structures; for instance, industrial organizations might offer more competitive rates, as hourly rates could range from $50 to $80 when serving large clients. Additionally, there are dilemmas regarding pay versus benefits—many athletic trainers may choose lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and retirement packages. Given the competitive nature of job offers, it's essential for hourly workers in Chelmsford to negotiate wisely, keeping local market trends and personal circumstances in mind.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Chelmsford in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Chelmsford?
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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 Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford 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