Athletic Trainer Salary

Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Piscataway, NJ: $36.02 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Piscataway, NJ runs $36.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,935 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Piscataway's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,958 per year.

$74,935
Median Annual Salary
$36.02/hr
Hourly Rate
$55,555
Entry Level (P10)
$109,054
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Athletic Trainer Hourly Rate in Piscataway, NJ — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Piscataway, NJ athletic trainer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Piscataway, New Jersey, is projected to be $36.02, significantly higher than the national median of $31.45. This robust hourly wage reflects the high demand for skilled athletic trainers in various settings, including high school training rooms, collegiate athletic facilities, and professional team environments. For part-time trainers working three days a week, this rate can offer a solid income, especially when combined with per diem opportunities that frequently arise in event-related work. Entry-level positions start at approximately $26.71 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command up to $52.43, showcasing a wide range of earning potential based on experience, specialization, and employer type.

About the Piscataway Market

Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$26.71$213.70
Lower Range (P25)$30.71$245.67
Median (P50)$36.02$288.19
Upper Range (P75)$43.93$351.47
Top Earners (P90)$52.43$419.44

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Piscataway

Based on $36.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a athletic trainer in Piscataway earning $36.02/hr would make approximately $43,229 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $74,930 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$43,229Reduced (32 hr/wk)$57,639Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$74,930

At $36.02/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Piscataway, NJ can expect to earn approximately $74,930 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,229. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Piscataway.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$288.19
per 8hr shift
$1,440.96
per week
$6,244
per month
$74,930
per year

Schedule Comparison in Piscataway

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,440.96$6,244$74,930
Part-Time (24 hrs)$864.58$3,747$44,958
Per Diem (16 hrs)$576.39$2,498$29,972

Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Athletic Trainer (Piscataway)$36.02
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing athletic trainer median salary in Piscataway ($74,935) with New Jersey average ($75,387) and the US national median ($65,415).Piscataway$74,935New Jersey Avg$75,387-0.60%US National$65,415+14.55%

Athletic Trainers in Piscataway, NJ earn a median of $74,935 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.55% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.60% below the New Jersey state average of $75,387.

Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $36.02/hr = $44,958/year (purchasing power: $39,026).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,930/year (purchasing power: $65,044).

CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$26.68/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$34.43/hr

2026 Current Est.

$36.02/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+41.3%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Piscataway (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for athletic trainers in Piscataway. Baseline $26.68/hr in 2025, projected to $37.69/hr by 2027.$24$28$32$36$402019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$26.68$27.46$26.67$29.65$31.90$36.35$34.43$36.02$37.69
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$26.68/hrActual
2020$27.46/hrActual
2021$26.67/hrActual
2022$29.65/hrActual
2023$31.90/hrActual
2024$36.35/hrActual
2025$34.43/hrActual
2026(current)$36.02/hrEstimated
2027$37.69/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Piscataway grew 29.1% from $26.68/hr (2019) to $34.43/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.69/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Piscataway metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Piscataway

An athletic trainer working part-time at 24 hours a week could expect an annual income of around $44,706, which may be appealing compared to full-time roles but still emphasizes the need for additional income streams. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Piscataway varies extensively, with game coverage often yielding $200-$500 per event. Trainers in industrial settings can see billing rates between $50-$80 per hour, appealing for those willing to cross into the occupational health field, particularly as this pay can sometimes exceed that of traditional sports roles. When negotiating contracts, it’s crucial for athletic trainers to weigh lower hourly wages that include benefits against higher rates without such perks. Secure benefits at secondary schools or outpatient clinics might offset the higher pay found in college or industrial settings. Understanding these dynamics is key for athletic trainers navigating their career paths in Piscataway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Piscataway in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Piscataway is $36.02/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.63% annual growth). Rates range from $26.71 at entry level (10th percentile) to $52.43 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 14.6% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Piscataway?

A part-time athletic trainer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Piscataway earns approximately $3,747/month, or $44,958/year at the median hourly rate of $36.02. Many athletic trainers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are athletic trainers in Piscataway paid hourly or salary?

The majority of athletic trainers in Piscataway are paid hourly at a median rate of $36.02/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $74,930/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Piscataway?

A full-time athletic trainer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Piscataway earns approximately $74,930/year at the median hourly rate of $36.02. This is 14.6% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $109,055/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Piscataway?

Part-time and per diem athletic trainers in Piscataway sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $52.43/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gomez, MS, ATCData verified by David Kim, BS, ATC

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 Piscataway. 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 Piscataway is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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