Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Grand Island, NE: $28.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Grand Island, NE runs $28.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,424 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Grand Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,060 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Grand Island, Nebraska, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at a median of $28.09. This figure compares relatively lower to the national hourly median of $31.45, highlighting a regional pay disparity. For part-time workers who might typically clock in three days a week, the hourly rate translates to an annual compensation that could support a modest lifestyle, especially given the city's cost of living index at 91.5. Entry-level athletic trainers in the area can expect to earn around $22.24, while more experienced professionals might see their earnings rise to $39.77 per hour. Entry-level positions are often found in high school training rooms or outpatient clinics, while top earners mostly work with college programs or professional sports teams.
About the Grand Island Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.24 | $177.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.39 | $195.11 |
| Median (P50) | $28.09 | $224.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.67 | $269.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.77 | $318.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Island
Based on $28.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.09/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Island, NE can expect to earn approximately $58,434 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,712. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,123.73 | $4,869 | $58,434 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $674.24 | $2,922 | $35,060 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.49 | $1,948 | $23,374 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Grand Island) | $28.09 |
| 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 Grand Island, NE earn a median of $58,424 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.69% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $59,861.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.09/hr = $35,060/year (purchasing power: $38,317).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,434/year (purchasing power: $63,862).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Grand Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Grand Island grew 29.1% from $20.80/hr (2019) to $26.85/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.39/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 Grand Island 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 Grand Island
Evaluating potential earnings reveals significant variation for athletic trainers depending on their employment settings. For instance, those working full-time could expect a consistent income, while part-time trainers, taking home around $27,000 annually working three days a week, must carefully navigate their financial needs compared to full-time colleagues. Per diem opportunities can yield lucrative compensation; coverage for games or events often provides pay ranging from $200 to $500 each time, while industrial athletic trainers may bill clients up to $80 an hour. Employers like hospitals or military bases may offer lower hourly remuneration but compensate with benefits, such as health insurance. When negotiating for hourly pay in Grand Island, understanding this trade-off between salary and benefits is vital, allowing professionals to make informed decisions about their careers in both athletic and industrial settings.
More salary data for Grand Island, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Grand Island in 2026?
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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 Grand Island. 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 Grand Island 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