Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Lakewood, NJ: $35.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Lakewood, NJ runs $35.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,769 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,867 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, NJ, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $35.95, significantly higher than the national median of $31.45. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various environments, including high school training rooms, collegiate athletic facilities, and outpatient clinics. For part-time athletic trainers who typically work three days a week, this hourly rate translates to more than just a paycheck; it provides the ability to balance work with other commitments. The hourly range for athletic trainers in Lakewood spans from $27.71 for entry-level positions to $53.08 for those at the top of their field, illustrating the potential for increased earnings as trainers gain experience and specialize in high-demand areas.
About the Lakewood 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) | $27.71 | $221.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.54 | $252.28 |
| Median (P50) | $35.95 | $287.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.10 | $352.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.08 | $424.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $35.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.95/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, NJ can expect to earn approximately $74,778 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,141. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,438.03 | $6,231 | $74,778 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $862.82 | $3,739 | $44,867 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $575.21 | $2,493 | $29,911 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Lakewood) | $35.95 |
| 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 Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $74,769 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $75,372.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.95/hr = $44,867/year (purchasing power: $38,947).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,778/year (purchasing power: $64,911).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lakewood grew 29.1% from $26.62/hr (2019) to $34.36/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.62/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Although full-time roles are common, part-time athletic trainers taking on a 3-day work week could earn around $56,000 annually, which showcases a respectable income while allowing for flexibility. For those opting for per-diem roles, such as providing game coverage or working in industrial settings, the compensation can vary significantly—generally ranging from $200 to $500 per event for game coverage and $50 to $80 per hour for industrial contracts at large facilities. Different employer types in Lakewood offer unique financial prospects; for example, those affiliated with professional sports teams may earn more than their counterparts working in high schools or clinics, but typically without benefits. Understanding these dynamics is essential for professionals considering where to work, as some athletic trainers may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for employment benefits. Additionally, those looking for hourly positions in Lakewood should be prepared to negotiate, focusing on factors such as work-life balance or the availability of benefits versus purely financial compensation.
More salary data for Lakewood, NJ:
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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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