Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Union, NJ: $36.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Union, NJ runs $36.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,075 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Union's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,650 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Union, New Jersey, the athletic trainer hourly pay currently stands at $36.58, a robust figure that surpasses the national median hourly rate of $31.45. This difference highlights the favorable job market for athletic trainers in this area, particularly beneficial for those seeking part-time positions or per-diem roles in diverse settings, such as high school training facilities, collegiate athletic departments, and professional team environments. Entry-level trainers in Union can expect to earn around $27.86 per hour, while top earners may command as much as $50.68 per hour, providing a broad range for professionals starting out or those with extensive experience. These hourly figures, extrapolated from annual salary projections, emphasize the potential for athletic trainers to maximize their earnings based on the specific demands of their jobs and scheduling choices.
About the Union 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) | $27.86 | $222.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.85 | $254.79 |
| Median (P50) | $36.58 | $292.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.08 | $344.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.68 | $405.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union
Based on $36.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.58/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union, NJ can expect to earn approximately $76,084 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,894. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,463.15 | $6,340 | $76,084 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $877.89 | $3,804 | $45,650 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $585.26 | $2,536 | $30,433 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Union) | $36.58 |
| 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 Union, NJ earn a median of $76,075 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.30% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.00% above the New Jersey state average of $75,322.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.58/hr = $45,650/year (purchasing power: $39,627).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,084/year (purchasing power: $66,045).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Union (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Union grew 29.1% from $27.09/hr (2019) to $34.96/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.27/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 Union 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 Union
For athletic trainers considering part-time work, specifically those working three days a week, their annual income could reach approximately $45,000, significantly less than full-time counterparts. In contrast, per diem athletic trainers are often engaged for specific events and can earn between $200 and $500 for each coverage assignment, while industrial athletic trainers in settings like Toyota or Boeing may charge anywhere from $50 to $80 per hour. This variance in rates among employers in Union reflects the broader dynamics of the job market, with college athletics often offering competitive compensation alongside benefits, whereas secondary schools might provide fewer financial incentives. Some trainers may opt for lower hourly wages for reliable health insurance and job stability, while others prioritize higher pay that lacks additional perks. Negotiating pay in Union requires an understanding of these nuanced dynamics, allowing professionals to determine their worth effectively based on experience and the specific employer profile.
More salary data for Union, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Union 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 Union. 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 Union 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