Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Missoula, MT: $24.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Missoula, MT runs $24.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,342 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Missoula's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,203 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer hourly pay in Missoula, Montana, is projected to be $24.20. This is notably lower than the national hourly median of $31.45, suggesting that athletic trainers in Missoula earn about 23.04% less than their counterparts across the country. For part-time athletic trainers working approximately three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a feasible income, especially for those operating in diverse environments such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, or outpatient clinics. Entry-level roles may start at around $19.23 per hour, while experienced trainers can earn up to $34.41 per hour based on the P90 percentile. These figures, derived from annual salary projections, provide a helpful framework for understanding the hourly landscape of the profession in this region.
About the Missoula 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) | $19.23 | $153.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.60 | $172.77 |
| Median (P50) | $24.20 | $193.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.03 | $232.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.41 | $275.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missoula
Based on $24.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.20/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Missoula, MT can expect to earn approximately $50,338 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,041. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missoula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missoula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $968.04 | $4,195 | $50,338 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $580.82 | $2,517 | $30,203 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.21 | $1,678 | $20,135 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Missoula) | $24.20 |
| 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 Missoula, MT earn a median of $50,342 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.04% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.20% below the Montana state average of $51,474.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.20/hr = $30,203/year (purchasing power: $31,396).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,338/year (purchasing power: $52,326).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Missoula grew 29.1% from $17.92/hr (2019) to $23.13/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.32/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 Missoula 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 Missoula
When examining the earnings potential of athletic trainers, part-time work offers distinct opportunities. For instance, a trainer working 24 hours a week throughout the year would bring home an income considerably less than full-time counterparts, illuminating the impact of work schedules on annual earnings. Per diem roles, particularly in event coverage, can offer lucrative compensation, with athletic trainers earning $200 to $500 for a single game. At the same time, those contracted in industrial or occupational settings may see hourly rates ranging from $50 to $80. Institutions like secondary schools typically offer lower pay relative to larger organizations such as NCAA-affiliated colleges or professional sports teams. While some trainers opt for hourly positions with no benefits for higher pay, others may find value in the stability of lower-paying positions with health insurance. When negotiating hourly wages in Missoula, it’s beneficial to emphasize qualifications, experiences, and the specialization of skills that contribute to effective athletic training in both educational and industrial contexts.
More salary data for Missoula, 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 Missoula. 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 Missoula 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