Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Meridian, MS: $21.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Meridian, MS runs $21.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,932 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,964 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Meridian, Mississippi, can expect a median hourly pay of $21.61. This figure is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $31.45, reflecting local economic conditions and the cost of living index in the area, which sits at 85.7, indicating it is below the national average. This hourly rate translates to varied financial outcomes for part-time and per-diem professionals working in settings such as high schools, colleges, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level trainers might start around $17.31 per hour, while top earners can secure rates up to $29.31, allowing for a wide range of financial potential depending on experience and workplace demands. Such hourly estimates stem from annual salary data, forming a crucial understanding for both upcoming athletic trainers and those seeking to negotiate their pay in the Meridian area.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.31 | $138.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.29 | $154.35 |
| Median (P50) | $21.61 | $172.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.27 | $202.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.31 | $234.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $21.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.61/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, MS can expect to earn approximately $44,941 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,927. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $864.24 | $3,745 | $44,941 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $518.55 | $2,247 | $26,964 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $345.70 | $1,498 | $17,976 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Meridian) | $21.61 |
| 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 Meridian, MS earn a median of $44,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.31% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $47,397.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.61/hr = $26,964/year (purchasing power: $31,464).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,941/year (purchasing power: $52,440).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Meridian grew 29.1% from $16.00/hr (2019) to $20.65/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.61/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 Meridian 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 Meridian
Part-time athletic trainers working three days a week can take home approximately $26,947 annually based on a 24-hour work week, which is considerably lower than what full-time trainers might earn. In contrast, per-diem athletic trainers often find their work tied to specific events like games or competitions, with compensation typically ranging from $200 to $500 per event. Industrial settings, including contracts with companies like Toyota and FedEx, may offer higher rates of $50 to $80 per hour due to the demand for specialized care in those environments. The hourly pay varies greatly depending on the type of employer. High schools generally pay less compared to colleges or professional sports teams, where compensation can escalate further, particularly during high-stakes events such as bowl games, where stipends can reach between $200 and $1,000. Many athletic trainers weigh the benefits of consistent hours and health insurance against potentially higher pay in less secure positions without those advantages. For those in Meridian looking to negotiate their rates, understanding these dynamics and utilizing local demand for athletic trainers can be pivotal in discussions with employers, ensuring they secure suitable pay for their expertise and commitment.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
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 Meridian. 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 Meridian 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