Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Las Cruces, NM: $30.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Las Cruces, NM runs $30.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,798 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Las Cruces's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,272 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Las Cruces, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to reach $30.67 by 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate presents a variety of earning opportunities for part-time professionals who may work three days a week, allowing for a comfortable balance between work and life commitments. Per-diem athletic trainers, often found in various settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and industrial clinics, can enhance their income based on the frequency and type of events they cover. The hourly earnings range from $23.19 for entry-level positions to approximately $43.56 for those at the top of their field, reflecting the diverse roles athletic trainers fulfill across different environments, including military bases and outpatient clinics.
About the Las Cruces Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.19 | $185.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.90 | $207.17 |
| Median (P50) | $30.67 | $245.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.60 | $292.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.56 | $348.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Las Cruces
Based on $30.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.67/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Las Cruces, NM can expect to earn approximately $63,787 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,800. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Las Cruces.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Las Cruces
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,226.68 | $5,316 | $63,787 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $736.01 | $3,189 | $38,272 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.67 | $2,126 | $25,515 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Las Cruces) | $30.67 |
| 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 Las Cruces, NM earn a median of $63,798 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.47% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.30% above the New Mexico state average of $61,760.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.67/hr = $38,272/year (purchasing power: $40,543).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,787/year (purchasing power: $67,571).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Las Cruces (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Las Cruces grew 29.1% from $22.71/hr (2019) to $29.31/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.09/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 Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces
When considering the financial prospects for part-time athletic trainers, those working 24 hours a week would see their annual earnings considerably lower than full-time colleagues. Specifically, working part-time could yield a substantial annual income, but full-time positions typically offer benefits that can make the lower hourly wages more attractive for some. Per diem jobs often pay between $200 and $500 per event, which can significantly boost earnings for trainers willing to travel for collegiate bowl games or playoff coverage, where stipends range from $200 to $1,000. In Las Cruces, the salaries for athletic trainers can vary widely depending on the employer; professionals in colleges and professional sports teams may earn more than those in secondary education or outpatient settings. Some trainers may choose lower hourly pay that comes with benefits, while others opt for higher wage opportunities without such perks. Newcomers should also consider negotiation tactics that align with local market demands for flexible and part-time work as they step into this evolving profession.
More salary data for Las Cruces, NM:
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 Las Cruces. 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 Las Cruces 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