Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Plainfield, NJ: $36.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Plainfield, NJ runs $36.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,215 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,128 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plainfield, New Jersey, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $36.16 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This robust pay structure benefits full-time employees, part-time professionals working three days per week, and per-diem workers in a variety of settings, including high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and even recreational sports clubs. With an hourly range that spans from $26.88 for entry-level positions to $52.90 for seasoned trainers, those in Plainfield are positioned well within New Jersey’s athletic training market. The rates presented here are estimated from annual salary data, reflecting the diverse work settings that athletic trainers engage in, from professional sports teams to outpatient clinics.
About the Plainfield 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) | $26.88 | $215.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.98 | $247.85 |
| Median (P50) | $36.16 | $289.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.09 | $336.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.90 | $423.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $36.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.16/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, NJ can expect to earn approximately $75,213 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,392. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,446.41 | $6,268 | $75,213 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $867.84 | $3,761 | $45,128 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $578.56 | $2,507 | $30,085 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Plainfield) | $36.16 |
| 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 Plainfield, NJ earn a median of $75,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.98% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.20% below the New Jersey state average of $75,366.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.16/hr = $45,128/year (purchasing power: $39,173).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,213/year (purchasing power: $65,289).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Plainfield grew 29.1% from $26.78/hr (2019) to $34.56/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.83/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
Evaluating the financial implications of working part-time, a trainer clocking 24 hours a week would take home around $45,000 annually, which can offer a sustainable income while allowing flexibility in other pursuits. Per-diem athletic trainer pay in Plainfield varies significantly, with event coverage typically grabbing $200-$500 per game, and corporate clients in industrial settings opting to pay $50-$80 per hour for contracted services. Work in secondary schools generally tends to provide lower hourly rates compared to college or professional sports environments, which offer enhanced compensation but may lack benefits like health insurance. Some athletic trainers might accept lower hourly rates for the security of health coverage, while others pursue higher pay in roles without benefits. For those negotiating their hourly pay, understanding the local market, the differences among employer types, and the value of professional credentials from associations like NATA or BOC can be key to achieving a favorable agreement.
More salary data for Plainfield, 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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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