Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Kentwood, MI: $29.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Kentwood, MI runs $29.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,121 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Kentwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,666 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Kentwood, Michigan, can expect a median hourly rate of $29.38, which positions them slightly below the national median of $31.45. This rate provides insight into the earning potential for part-time professionals who may work three days a week, equating to roughly 24 hours per week. For those in per-diem roles, such as game coverage or industrial settings, this hourly rate suggests various earning opportunities, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $23.09 and experienced trainers earning up to $41.39. Given the diverse settings in which athletic trainers operate—including high schools, colleges, professional teams, and clinics—the hourly pay reflects the unique demands and responsibilities of the job, influenced by factors such as the type of employer and the trainer's level of experience.
About the Kentwood 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) | $23.09 | $184.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.03 | $208.26 |
| Median (P50) | $29.38 | $235.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.09 | $280.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.39 | $331.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kentwood
Based on $29.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.38/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kentwood, MI can expect to earn approximately $61,111 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,256. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kentwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kentwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,175.20 | $5,093 | $61,111 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $705.12 | $3,056 | $36,666 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.08 | $2,037 | $24,444 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Kentwood) | $29.38 |
| 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 Kentwood, MI earn a median of $61,121 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.30% above the Michigan state average of $60,938.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.38/hr = $36,666/year (purchasing power: $39,342).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,111/year (purchasing power: $65,569).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Kentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Kentwood grew 29.1% from $21.76/hr (2019) to $28.08/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.74/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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood
Focusing on the unique earning dynamics within Kentwood for part-time athletic trainers reveals an interesting contrast to full-time professionals. A trainer working part-time may take home around $36,518 annually, showcasing a significant difference from the full-time average of $61,121. The per-diem model often employed by athletic trainers can yield lucrative pay, with event-specific coverage ranging from $200 to $500 per event. Those in industrial settings, working with clients like Toyota or Boeing, can earn between $50 and $80 per hour, underscoring the niche sectors that often offer higher compensation. When evaluating job opportunities, trainers must balance the financial benefits against job security and health insurance options typically unavailable to those earning higher hourly rates without benefits. In negotiations, athletic trainers in Kentwood can enhance their earning potential by emphasizing their specialized skills and flexible availability, particularly in high-demand scenarios such as college bowl games or playoff events, where they can command additional stipends of $200 to $1,000.
More salary data for Kentwood, MI:
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 Kentwood. 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 Kentwood 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