Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Bridgewater, NJ: $35.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Bridgewater, NJ runs $35.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,211 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Bridgewater's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,527 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bridgewater, NJ, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $35.68, which is significantly higher than the national median of $31.45. This elevated pay level reflects the demands of various work environments, including high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, industrial workplaces, military bases, and outpatient clinics. For part-time athletic trainers, who might work around three days a week, this hourly rate can lead to significant earnings despite a reduced schedule. The hourly pay range in Bridgewater varies from approximately $27.76 for entry-level positions to $47.65 for those at the top of their field, providing a robust earning potential that appeals to new graduates and seasoned professionals alike. It’s important to understand that these hourly rates are derived from projected annual salaries, and they offer a useful framework for assessing job opportunities within the region.
About the Bridgewater Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.76 | $222.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.35 | $250.78 |
| Median (P50) | $35.68 | $285.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.20 | $329.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.65 | $381.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bridgewater
Based on $35.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.68/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bridgewater, NJ can expect to earn approximately $74,212 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,815. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bridgewater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bridgewater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,427.15 | $6,184 | $74,212 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $856.29 | $3,711 | $44,527 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $570.86 | $2,474 | $29,685 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Bridgewater) | $35.68 |
| 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 Bridgewater, NJ earn a median of $74,211 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.45% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.50% below the New Jersey state average of $75,341.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.68/hr = $44,527/year (purchasing power: $38,652).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,212/year (purchasing power: $64,420).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Bridgewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Bridgewater grew 29.1% from $26.42/hr (2019) to $34.10/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.33/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 Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater
The prospects for part-time athletic trainers in Bridgewater can yield varied annual earnings compared to full-time roles. A typical part-time athletic trainer working 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $44,537 annually. In contrast, those who engage in per diem work or agency roles often see fluctuations in their income based on event coverage, with rates for coverage typically falling between $200-$500 per event. In industrial settings like those offered by clients such as Toyota and Boeing, contractors might charge between $50-$80 per hour, providing higher per diem athletic trainer pay than traditional educational settings. Moreover, athletic trainers in different employer types experience distinct pay scales; while college and professional teams might offer more lucrative compensation, many trainers opt for jobs with benefits, even if the hourly rate is lower, prioritizing stability and health coverage. As athletic trainers negotiate their compensation in Bridgewater, being informed about these nuances can help them align their salary expectations with opportunities across various sectors.
More salary data for Bridgewater, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater. 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 Bridgewater 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