Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Worcester, MA: $30.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Worcester, MA runs $30.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,845 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Worcester's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,312 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Worcester, Massachusetts, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $30.70 in 2026, a figure slightly below the national median of $31.45 per hour. This hourly rate indicates that both part-time professionals working in various settings such as high schools, colleges, and outpatient clinics can earn a modest income, especially those who may only work three days a week. For per-diem athletic trainers, especially those providing coverage at events, the compensation can vary significantly based on the nature of the job. The hourly range from entry-level positions starts around $24.88, while top earners can make as much as $45.46. These figures are part of the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projections based on 2025 figures, providing valuable insights for current students and professionals in the field.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.88 | $199.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.98 | $223.82 |
| Median (P50) | $30.70 | $245.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.11 | $304.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.46 | $363.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Worcester
Based on $30.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.70/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Worcester, MA can expect to earn approximately $63,853 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,838. With a cost-of-living index of 102.52 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Worcester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Worcester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,227.94 | $5,321 | $63,853 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $736.76 | $3,193 | $38,312 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $491.18 | $2,128 | $25,541 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Worcester) | $30.70 |
| 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 Worcester, MA earn a median of $63,845 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.40% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 10.00% below the Massachusetts state average of $70,939.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.70/hr = $38,312/year (purchasing power: $37,369).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,853/year (purchasing power: $62,281).
CoL index: 102.523 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Worcester grew 25.7% from $23.35/hr (2019) to $29.34/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.12/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 Worcester 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 Worcester
For part-time athletic trainers in Worcester, those working approximately 24 hours a week could see an annual income significantly lower than their full-time peers. This translates to around $38,666 annually, which may not reflect the true earning potential within the field. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Worcester varies widely, with coverage for sporting events yielding anywhere from $200 to $500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers can charge $50 to $80 per hour in corporate settings. Notably, employers like professional sports teams or larger facilities may offer higher rates due to the specialized nature of their work. Some athletic trainers may opt for positions that provide benefits, even if this means accepting a lower hourly rate. For those negotiating hourly pay, being transparent about skill level and market rates in the area can lead to better compensation strategies tailored to Worcester’s unique job market.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Worcester in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Worcester?
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How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Worcester?
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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 Worcester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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