Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $31.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Lincoln, NE runs $31.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,488 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,291 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Athletic trainers in Lincoln, Nebraska, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $31.48, which is slightly above the national median of $31.45. This competitive pay allows for flexibility in employment arrangements, particularly for part-time positions or per-diem work in various settings, including high school training facilities, collegiate sports programs, and professional team environments. Hourly earnings in Lincoln range from $29.80 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $41.40 for top earners (90th percentile), providing ample opportunities for trainers at all experience levels. This compensation data is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, providing a reliable overview of the athletic trainer hourly pay landscape in NE for 2026.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.80 | $238.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.12 | $240.98 |
| Median (P50) | $31.48 | $251.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.70 | $301.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.40 | $331.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln
Based on $31.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.48/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $65,485 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,780. With a cost-of-living index of 91.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lincoln
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,259.33 | $5,457 | $65,485 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $755.60 | $3,274 | $39,291 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $503.73 | $2,183 | $26,194 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Lincoln) | $31.48 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE earn a median of $65,488 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.11% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 9.40% above the Nebraska state average of $59,861.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.48/hr = $39,291/year (purchasing power: $42,903).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,485/year (purchasing power: $71,505).
CoL index: 91.581 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lincoln grew 19.4% from $25.20/hr (2019) to $30.09/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.94/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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
For athletic trainers working part-time in Lincoln, taking on a three-day workweek (approximately 24 hours) means an annual income of about $39,737, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Many trainers in the area supplement their income through per-diem work, often earning between $200 and $500 per coverage event, depending on the employer. Those in industrial settings commonly report billing between $50 and $80 per hour, while special events, like college bowl games, can offer stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000. The type of employer can influence pay significantly; for example, athletic trainers at secondary schools generally earn less compared to those at universities or in professional sports teams. Additionally, some trainers choose to prioritize benefits over higher hourly rates, reflecting the diverse priorities of those in the field. For those negotiating in Lincoln, understanding the distinct compensation structures across various roles and being aware of local cost of living conditions can enhance the chances of securing favorable pay.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lincoln in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Lincoln?
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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 Lincoln. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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