Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Newark, NJ: $38.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Newark, NJ runs $38.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,160 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Newark's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,092 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Newark, New Jersey, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $38.54, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $31.45. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals who work in various settings, such as high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, military bases, and outpatient clinics. The projected hourly rate represents a range from $27.04 for entry-level positions to $58.65 for the most experienced trainers. For part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, this hourly rate means they might earn a viable income while balancing other commitments. Additionally, per-diem athletic trainers, who often find opportunities in high-stakes environments like collegiate and professional sports, can command rates that align closely with their experience and the settings in which they compete.
About the Newark 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) | $27.04 | $216.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.18 | $273.46 |
| Median (P50) | $38.54 | $308.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.01 | $384.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.65 | $469.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newark
Based on $38.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.54/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newark, NJ can expect to earn approximately $80,153 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,242. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newark.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newark
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,541.41 | $6,679 | $80,153 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $924.85 | $4,008 | $48,092 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $616.56 | $2,672 | $32,061 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Newark) | $38.54 |
| 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 Newark, NJ earn a median of $80,160 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.54% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 6.40% above the New Jersey state average of $75,339.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.54/hr = $48,092/year (purchasing power: $41,746).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,153/year (purchasing power: $69,577).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Newark grew 29.1% from $28.54/hr (2019) to $36.83/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.32/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 Newark 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 Newark
Part-time athletic trainers working 24 hours a week can take home approximately $48,000 annually, a respectable income compared to full-time colleagues. Seasonal and per-diem roles in Newark offer varied earning potential, with some event coverage paying between $200 and $500. Industrial settings often present lucrative opportunities as athletic trainers can bill $50 to $80 per hour, which not only attracts experienced professionals but can also overshadow rates at educational institutions, where pay is typically lower. The different employer types—public secondary schools, NCAA colleges, and military positions—create a wide salary range influenced by local cost of living and demand. Some trainers may accept slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance benefits, weighing stability against potentially higher pay in more transient positions. When negotiating hourly pay, understanding the local market, emphasizing specialized skills, and highlighting relevant certifications, such as those from the NATA and BOC, can help secure a better compensation package.
More salary data for Newark, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Newark 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 Newark. 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 Newark 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