Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Billings, MT: $25.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Billings, MT runs $25.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,081 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Billings's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,848 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Billings, Montana, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be $25.52 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.45. This discrepancy highlights the varying economics of athletic training in different regions across the United States. For part-time athletic trainers, particularly those working three days per week (approximately 24 hours), this hourly rate translates into a modest, yet viable income, especially considering their engagement in diverse environments like high school athletic rooms, collegiate facilities, and outpatient clinics. Those entering the field can expect to earn around $19.21 per hour, while top-tier professionals in specialized settings may command up to $36.07 per hour, reflecting performance and experience. Overall, half of all athletic trainers in Billings are projected to earn between $19.21 and $36.07 per hour, indicating the sector's potential for earnings growth reflecting experience level and work setting.
About the Billings Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.21 | $153.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.04 | $176.28 |
| Median (P50) | $25.52 | $204.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.44 | $243.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.07 | $288.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Billings
Based on $25.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.52/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Billings, MT can expect to earn approximately $53,080 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,623. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Billings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Billings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,020.77 | $4,423 | $53,080 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $612.46 | $2,654 | $31,848 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $408.31 | $1,769 | $21,232 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Billings) | $25.52 |
| 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 Billings, MT earn a median of $53,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.86% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.10% above the Montana state average of $51,485.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.52/hr = $31,848/year (purchasing power: $33,106).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,080/year (purchasing power: $55,177).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Billings grew 29.1% from $18.90/hr (2019) to $24.39/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.70/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 Billings 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 Billings
Part-time athletic trainers working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual take-home of roughly $31,000, a stark contrast to full-time counterparts who enjoy higher earnings and often additional benefits. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Billings presents another economic avenue, with compensation ranging from $200-$500 per event for game coverage, while industrial athletic trainers typically earn between $50 and $80 per hour in settings like Toyota or FedEx. College bowl game or playoff coverage can yield impressive stipends from $200 to $1,000+ for single events. Hourly compensation varies widely across employer types in Billings; while school-based athletic trainers often earn lower rates, those in the industrial sector may benefit from better pay. Those entering the field should consider the trade-offs between hourly pay and health benefits, as some may opt for higher hourly wages without insurance, while others might choose steadier roles with benefits. For professionals working on an hourly basis, effective negotiation can significantly impact overall earnings, focusing on the unique value they bring to the specific setting they serve.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
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 Billings. 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 Billings 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