Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Dearborn Heights, MI: $29.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Dearborn Heights, MI runs $29.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,920 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Dearborn Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,549 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Dearborn Heights, MI, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $29.29, which falls short of the national median of $31.45. This hourly wage is particularly relevant for those working in part-time or per-diem roles, as typical settings for athletic trainers include high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional team training environments. For those working part-time, such as three days per week, the annual income can provide a reliable supplement or a way to balance professional commitments while enjoying time off. The hourly range for athletic trainers in this area extends from $21.94 for entry-level practitioners to approximately $42.91 for seasoned professionals, reflecting a variety of workplace demands and levels of experience. The figures are based on projections derived from 2025 BLS data, giving a snapshot of what to expect in 2026.
About the Dearborn Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.94 | $175.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.13 | $201.06 |
| Median (P50) | $29.29 | $234.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.13 | $273.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.91 | $343.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dearborn Heights
Based on $29.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.29/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dearborn Heights, MI can expect to earn approximately $60,915 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,143. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dearborn Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dearborn Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,171.44 | $5,076 | $60,915 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $702.86 | $3,046 | $36,549 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.57 | $2,030 | $24,366 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Dearborn Heights) | $29.29 |
| 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 Dearborn Heights, MI earn a median of $60,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.87% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.10% below the Michigan state average of $60,981.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.29/hr = $36,549/year (purchasing power: $39,216).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,915/year (purchasing power: $65,359).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Dearborn Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Dearborn Heights grew 29.1% from $21.69/hr (2019) to $27.99/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.64/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 Dearborn Heights 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 Dearborn Heights
The earnings potential for athletic trainers working part-time is notable, especially for those who are looking for flexible arrangements. An athletic trainer working 24 hours a week at the median rate could earn around $45,000 annually, which can be a viable income depending on living expenses. In contrast, per diem athletic trainers often command higher hourly rates for specific events, with pay ranging between $200 and $500 per game coverage. In industrial settings—where more complex health management is required—athletic trainers can receive hourly rates of $50 to $80. The type of employer significantly affects compensation as well: athletic trainers in high schools may see lower pay than their counterparts in professional sports, who enjoy superior financial benefits. Many trainers weigh the hourly rate against the benefits package, opting for lower hourly pay if it includes health insurance. Furthermore, local trainers should consider negotiation tactics that emphasize their specialized training and qualifications, especially in light of the transition to the master's degree requirement in 2022 for new applicants in the field.
More salary data for Dearborn Heights, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Dearborn Heights in 2026?
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Are athletic trainers in Dearborn Heights paid hourly or salary?
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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 Dearborn Heights. 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 Dearborn Heights 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