Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Middletown, NJ: $35.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Middletown, NJ runs $35.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,189 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,514 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middletown, New Jersey, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $35.67, significantly higher than the national median of $31.45. This attractive rate reflects the demand for professionals who serve in diverse environments like high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and even industries such as military clinics and outpatient centers. For part-time athletic trainers working roughly three days a week, the hourly wage translates into a reliable income while allowing for flexibility. Those just starting in the field may earn an hourly rate around $28.73, while the highest earners in specialized roles can command up to $48.92. The hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, illustrating a pay range that supports both entry-level practitioners and seasoned professionals in their respective niches across Middletown and beyond.
About the Middletown 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) | $28.73 | $229.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.11 | $256.89 |
| Median (P50) | $35.67 | $285.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.71 | $333.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.92 | $391.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $35.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.67/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, NJ can expect to earn approximately $74,190 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,802. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,426.73 | $6,183 | $74,190 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $856.04 | $3,710 | $44,514 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $570.69 | $2,473 | $29,676 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Middletown) | $35.67 |
| 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 Middletown, NJ earn a median of $74,189 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.41% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.60% below the New Jersey state average of $75,395.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.67/hr = $44,514/year (purchasing power: $38,641).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,190/year (purchasing power: $64,401).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Middletown grew 29.1% from $26.41/hr (2019) to $34.09/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.32/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
The earning potential for part-time athletic trainers paints a clearer picture when considering a typical 24-hour workweek. At the median hourly rate, a part-time athletic trainer could see an estimated annual income of about $44,800, compared to a full-time equivalent earning significantly more, based on a standard 40-hour week. Alternatively, per diem athletic trainer pay in Middletown offers diverse opportunities with rates ranging between $200 and $500 per event for game coverage, plus industrial contracts that can bill at $50 to $80 per hour. Various employer types, from secondary schools to major professional sports teams, also influence these pay rates; for instance, industrial settings often compensate higher than educational facilities due to different funding structures and responsibilities. Some athletic trainers willingly trade off higher hourly rates at facilities for full-time roles that include benefits such as health insurance, demonstrating the nuanced decisions in career paths within this evolving profession. Exploring negotiation strategies specific to the Middletown market can further enhance work opportunities and compensation for those considering entering this vital field.
More salary data for Middletown, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Middletown in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Middletown?
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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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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