Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $30.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Independence, MO runs $30.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,961 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,377 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be $30.75 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $31.45. This wage represents an opportunity for part-time professionals who often work in diverse settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and outpatient clinics. For athletic trainers working approximately three days a week, the flexibility of an hourly schedule can allow them to balance work and other commitments while still earning a competitive wage. The 2026 hourly pay range in this field extends from $24.17 at the entry level to $46.03 for top earners in the area, showcasing the potential for substantial income growth with experience and specialization.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.17 | $193.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.33 | $218.63 |
| Median (P50) | $30.75 | $246.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.23 | $289.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.03 | $368.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $30.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.75/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $63,962 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,901. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,230.03 | $5,330 | $63,962 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $738.02 | $3,198 | $38,377 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.01 | $2,132 | $25,585 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Independence) | $30.75 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $63,961 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.22% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $62,646.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.75/hr = $38,377/year (purchasing power: $42,831).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,962/year (purchasing power: $71,386).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Independence grew 29.1% from $22.77/hr (2019) to $29.39/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.17/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 Independence 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 Independence
Examining the financial landscape for athletic trainers in Independence reveals intriguing earning opportunities, particularly for part-time and per-diem professionals. A trainer working just 24 hours a week could earn around $38,520 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. However, per diem positions are particularly lucrative in this profession; for instance, game coverage can attract pay rates ranging from $200 to $500 per event. Moreover, athletic trainers in industrial settings, such as those employed by companies like Toyota and Boeing, may command hourly rates between $50 and $80. The dynamics of hourly pay vary widely based on the employer, with school settings typically offering lower compensation compared to collegiate or professional teams. Trainers must often weigh the benefits of lower pay with health insurance against the higher hourly earnings found in per diem roles. Effective negotiation around hourly rates is key, especially in a region with competitive opportunities across multiple sectors, notably after the transition to a master’s degree requirement for new entrants in the field.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
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 Independence. 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 Independence 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