Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in New Bedford, MA: $34.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in New Bedford, MA runs $34.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,504 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against New Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,908 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In New Bedford, Massachusetts, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to reach $34.38 by 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This hourly rate is particularly attractive for part-time and per-diem workers, who often find themselves in various settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, professional team venues, and outpatient clinics. For those working only three days a week, earning this hourly rate allows for a commendable income, while the hourly range for athletic trainers in New Bedford stretches from $27.31 for entry-level positions to $48.32 for the most experienced professionals. The financial prospects for trainers engaged in part-time contracts indicate a healthy compensation landscape that reflects the increasing demand for their specialized skills.
About the New Bedford 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) | $27.31 | $218.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.77 | $246.17 |
| Median (P50) | $34.38 | $275.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.72 | $325.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.32 | $386.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bedford
Based on $34.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.38/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bedford, MA can expect to earn approximately $71,513 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,258. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,375.26 | $5,959 | $71,513 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $825.15 | $3,576 | $42,908 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $550.10 | $2,384 | $28,605 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (New Bedford) | $34.38 |
| 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 New Bedford, MA earn a median of $71,504 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.31% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $71,007.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.38/hr = $42,908/year (purchasing power: $39,547).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,513/year (purchasing power: $65,911).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in New Bedford grew 29.1% from $25.46/hr (2019) to $32.86/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.97/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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford
For part-time athletic trainers working 24 hours a week, the annual income can vary significantly compared to full-time roles. While part-timers may earn a decent living, full-timers typically enjoy additional benefits that can enhance their overall compensation. Per-diem athletic trainer pay in New Bedford can range dramatically, with game coverage often providing upwards of $200-$500 per event. Industrial settings, like those found at companies such as Toyota or FedEx, offer more lucrative contract rates of $50-$80 per hour, making these positions attractive for those seeking higher pay. However, trainers in secondary schools or outpatient clinics may receive lower hourly rates but gain essential health benefits. Balancing hourly pay against the benefits offered is a crucial decision for many athletic trainers. Negotiating strategies that highlight skills, experience, and the specific demands of the role can help individuals secure a position that meets their financial needs and professional aspirations in New Bedford.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in New Bedford in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in New Bedford?
Are athletic trainers in New Bedford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in New Bedford?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in New Bedford?
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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 New Bedford. 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 New Bedford 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