Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Joplin, MO: $29.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Joplin, MO runs $29.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,764 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Joplin's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,457 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joplin, Missouri, athletic trainers earn a median hourly pay of $29.21, which positions them slightly below the national median of $31.45. This hourly rate impacts not only full-time professionals but also part-time trainers working around 24 hours per week, as well as per-diem workers, who often find themselves in various settings such as high school athletic training rooms, college facilities, and industrial workplaces. The hourly pay ranges from $22.70 for entry-level positions to $42.11 for the most experienced trainers, providing a broad spectrum for professionals entering this field. These figures reflect the estimated earnings derived from annual salary data, illustrating the various potential income scenarios for athletic trainers based in Joplin.
About the Joplin 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) | $22.70 | $181.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.77 | $206.16 |
| Median (P50) | $29.21 | $233.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.39 | $283.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.11 | $336.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joplin
Based on $29.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.21/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joplin, MO can expect to earn approximately $60,762 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,055. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joplin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joplin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,168.51 | $5,064 | $60,762 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $701.10 | $3,038 | $36,457 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $467.40 | $2,025 | $24,305 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Joplin) | $29.21 |
| 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 Joplin, MO earn a median of $60,764 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.11% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.00% below the Missouri state average of $62,643.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.21/hr = $36,457/year (purchasing power: $40,689).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,762/year (purchasing power: $67,815).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Joplin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Joplin grew 22.2% from $22.85/hr (2019) to $27.92/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.57/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 Joplin 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 Joplin
For those considering part-time or per-diem work, like a 3-day/week schedule, the financial implications can differ substantially compared to full-time employment. A part-time athletic trainer working 24 hours per week would take home about $42,815 annually, which can be significantly lower than full-time income. Per-diem athletic trainer pay in Joplin can vary considerably; for instance, event coverage typically pays between $200-$500 per game, while industrial athletic trainers might bill $50-$80 per hour at larger facilities, enhancing their earning potential without a continuous commitment. Various employer types—from secondary schools to NCAA colleges and industrial settings like Toyota—impact hourly rates, often offering trade-offs between lower compensation and job benefits such as health insurance. This creates important considerations for negotiation terms, urging trainers to closely evaluate job offers to achieve the best possible outcomes regarding hours worked and salary earned.
More salary data for Joplin, 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 Joplin. 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 Joplin 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