Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Butte, MT: $24.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Butte, MT runs $24.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,028 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Butte's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,020 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Butte, Montana, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $24.05, which falls significantly short compared to the national median hourly pay of $31.45. This discrepancy illustrates the economic dynamics in the region, particularly relevant for athletic trainers considering part-time roles or per-diem positions. For instance, working just three days a week could provide a stable income for those in settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and outpatient clinics, all of which typically employ athletic trainers. In terms of hourly compensation, entry-level athletic trainers can expect to start around $18.28, while those in the top 10% earn up to $33.84, reflecting the varying responsibilities and settings within the field. As a point of reference, these figures are derived from the projected annual salary data, emphasizing that hourly earnings indeed fluctuate based on experience and employer.
About the Butte 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) | $18.28 | $146.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.67 | $173.35 |
| Median (P50) | $24.05 | $192.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.82 | $230.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.84 | $270.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Butte
Based on $24.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.05/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Butte, MT can expect to earn approximately $50,033 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,865. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Butte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Butte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $962.18 | $4,169 | $50,033 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $577.31 | $2,502 | $30,020 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.87 | $1,668 | $20,013 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Butte) | $24.05 |
| 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 Butte, MT earn a median of $50,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.52% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.80% below the Montana state average of $51,469.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.05/hr = $30,020/year (purchasing power: $31,206).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,033/year (purchasing power: $52,010).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Butte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Butte grew 29.1% from $17.81/hr (2019) to $22.99/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.17/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 Butte 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 Butte
Considering the earning potential for part-time athletic trainers in Butte, those working 24 hours a week might bring home around $30,000 annually, which supports a relatively modest lifestyle in a cost-effective area where the living index is below the national average. Per diem opportunities can significantly enhance income, with event coverage often ranging from $200 to $500 per game, while those in industrial settings can command $50 to $80 per hour. Different employer types, such as secondary schools, universities, and industrial firms, exhibit varying rates, typically influenced by the specific demands of the job and benefits provided. The challenge remains for many athletic trainers who accept lower hourly wages for security in health insurance versus the allure of higher hourly rates with no employee benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay in Butte, understanding this trade-off is crucial, as well as being prepared to present proficiency and industry-specific insights that can justify higher compensation.
More salary data for Butte, 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 Butte. 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 Butte 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