Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Lowell, MA: $34.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Lowell, MA runs $34.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,171 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Lowell's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,699 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a projected hourly median pay of $34.21 for athletic trainers in Lowell, Massachusetts, this figure surpasses the national hourly median of $31.45 by approximately 8.80%. This hourly rate is particularly significant for those working part-time or in per-diem roles, commonly found in high school training rooms, colleges, professional sports teams, industrial clinics, and military bases. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, their earnings could be comparable to around $40,000 annually, depending on work hours. The hourly pay spectrum ranges from about $26.93 for entry-level positions to $49.90 for top earners in the field, emphasizing the potential for competitive remuneration in various settings across Lowell.
About the Lowell 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) | $26.93 | $215.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.44 | $243.49 |
| Median (P50) | $34.21 | $273.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.72 | $333.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.90 | $399.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lowell
Based on $34.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.21/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lowell, MA can expect to earn approximately $71,165 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,057. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lowell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lowell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,368.56 | $5,930 | $71,165 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $821.14 | $3,558 | $42,699 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $547.42 | $2,372 | $28,466 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Lowell) | $34.21 |
| 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 Lowell, MA earn a median of $71,171 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.80% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $70,959.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.21/hr = $42,699/year (purchasing power: $39,354).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,165/year (purchasing power: $65,590).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lowell grew 29.1% from $25.34/hr (2019) to $32.70/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.80/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 Lowell 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 Lowell
Looking deeper, part-time athletic trainers tend not to enjoy the same financial stability as full-time professionals, who benefit from more consistent work schedules. For those taking on per diem roles, payment can vary widely depending on context; a per-diem athletic trainer may earn between $200 and $500 per event, while those engaged with large industrial clients often see rates between $50 and $80 per hour. Coverage for college events, especially during bowl games or playoffs, can yield stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000. Athletic trainers in Lowell find significant hourly pay disparities across employer types, with industrial settings typically offering higher rates than traditional educational institutions. Moreover, some professionals may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, particularly given the transition to required master’s degrees in the field since 2022. It's advisable for athletic trainers to negotiate effectively, understanding the local market’s nuances to maximize their earnings and benefits aligned with their specific career aspirations.
More salary data for Lowell, MA:
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 Lowell. 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 Lowell 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