Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Royal Oak, MI: $28.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Royal Oak, MI runs $28.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,220 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Royal Oak's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,131 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer hourly pay in Royal Oak, Michigan, is projected to be $28.95 per hour, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $31.45. This hourly rate is crucial for both part-time and per-diem athletic trainers, who may work in diverse settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional team training environments. For those employed part-time, working three days a week translates to about 24 hours, allowing for an income that can supplement other commitments or positions. The hourly wage can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $23.44, while more experienced trainers can earn as much as $41.67 per hour. These estimates stem from projected annual salary figures, illustrating the financial landscape for those entering the field in Royal Oak.
About the Royal Oak 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) | $23.44 | $187.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.18 | $209.43 |
| Median (P50) | $28.95 | $231.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.09 | $280.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.67 | $333.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Royal Oak
Based on $28.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.95/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Royal Oak, MI can expect to earn approximately $60,218 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,741. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Royal Oak.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Royal Oak
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,158.04 | $5,018 | $60,218 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $694.83 | $3,011 | $36,131 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.22 | $2,007 | $24,087 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Royal Oak) | $28.95 |
| 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 Royal Oak, MI earn a median of $60,220 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.94% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.20% below the Michigan state average of $60,951.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.95/hr = $36,131/year (purchasing power: $38,767).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,218/year (purchasing power: $64,612).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Royal Oak (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Royal Oak grew 29.1% from $21.44/hr (2019) to $27.67/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.29/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 Royal Oak 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 Royal Oak
When considering the earnings of a part-time athletic trainer in Royal Oak, working a consistent 24-hour schedule leads to an annual income considerably lower than their full-time counterparts. For instance, while a typical full-time position may yield a considerably higher return, part-time roles allow for flexibility and the chance to engage with various employers. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Royal Oak also offers a distinct avenue for additional income; event coverage typically pays between $200 and $500 for each assignment, while industrial athletic trainers can receive billing rates of $50 to $80 per hour at larger facilities. Across different employer types, such as secondary schools, colleges, and industrial settings, hourly rates can fluctuate significantly, often reflecting the trade-off between essential benefits and overall pay. For those seeking their first positions, it may be worth negotiating for higher hourly pay in exchange for accepting fewer benefits, a tactic that can also be helpful when working with agencies and locum positions that may offer more freedom but less job security.
More salary data for Royal Oak, 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 Royal Oak. 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 Royal Oak 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