Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in North Platte, NE: $26.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in North Platte, NE runs $26.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,658 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against North Platte's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,389 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in North Platte, Nebraska, earn a median hourly rate of $26.75 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45 per hour. This difference highlights the localized financial dynamics within the profession, particularly relevant for part-time workers or those engaged in per-diem roles. Athletic trainers typically operate in various settings, including high schools, college sports programs, and industrial health clinics. Considering the hourly range from entry-level positions starting at approximately $22.57 to experienced professionals earning up to $35.84, those working part-time for three days a week may earn between $1,800 to $2,430 a month, making their financial strategies crucial for sustaining their careers.
About the North Platte 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) | $22.57 | $180.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.68 | $197.46 |
| Median (P50) | $26.75 | $214.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.17 | $249.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.84 | $286.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Platte
Based on $26.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.75/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Platte, NE can expect to earn approximately $55,648 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,105. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Platte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Platte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,070.16 | $4,637 | $55,648 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $642.09 | $2,782 | $33,389 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $428.06 | $1,855 | $22,259 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (North Platte) | $26.75 |
| 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 North Platte, NE earn a median of $55,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.92% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.00% below the Nebraska state average of $59,847.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.75/hr = $33,389/year (purchasing power: $36,491).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,648/year (purchasing power: $60,818).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in North Platte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in North Platte grew 29.1% from $19.81/hr (2019) to $25.57/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.99/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 North Platte 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 North Platte
For those seeking part-time opportunities in North Platte, working just three days a week translating into 24 hours results in an annual income that might significantly differ from a full-time role. Per-diem positions, especially for game coverage, can yield substantial daily pay rates ranging from $200 to $500 per event, which can enhance income for those balancing multiple jobs. Industrial athletic trainers in larger facilities often command a competitive hourly billing rate between $50 and $80, catering to companies like Toyota and FedEx. However, it's crucial to consider the trade-offs of lower hourly rates in school settings, where benefits like health insurance may not accompany higher pay rates available in industrial contexts. Negotiation tactics become vital for athletic trainers, especially in North Platte, where articulating the value they bring can help secure better compensation while considering work-life balance and employer-specific benefits.
More salary data for North Platte, NE:
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 North Platte. 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 North Platte 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