Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Santa Fe, NM: $29.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Santa Fe, NM runs $29.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,349 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Santa Fe's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,411 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Santa Fe, NM, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $29.98, which is slightly below the national median of $31.45. This hourly rate positions athletic trainers in a practical spot for both full-time and part-time professionals, particularly those working in diverse environments such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and military bases. Part-time trainers, often scheduled for three days a week, have access to earnings that can enhance their overall income without the commitment of a full-time role. The hourly rates in the area range from $22.97 for entry-level positions to $42.65 for those at the top of their field, reflecting the wide array of settings where athletic trainers operate and the varying demands placed on them. The estimates for these hourly wages are derived from annual salary data, illustrating the significant earning potential across different levels of experience and expertise.
About the Santa Fe 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) | $22.97 | $183.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.11 | $208.84 |
| Median (P50) | $29.98 | $239.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.97 | $287.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.65 | $341.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Fe
Based on $29.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.98/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Fe, NM can expect to earn approximately $62,351 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,972. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Santa Fe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Fe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,199.06 | $5,196 | $62,351 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $719.44 | $3,118 | $37,411 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.62 | $2,078 | $24,940 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Santa Fe) | $29.98 |
| 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 Santa Fe, NM earn a median of $62,349 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.69% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.00% above the New Mexico state average of $61,732.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.98/hr = $37,411/year (purchasing power: $39,630).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,351/year (purchasing power: $66,050).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Santa Fe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Santa Fe grew 29.1% from $22.20/hr (2019) to $28.65/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.36/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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe
For those considering a part-time role, an athletic trainer working 24 hours a week would take home approximately $46,390 annually, contrasting significantly with full-time trainers who typically earn closer to $62,349. Per diem positions offer another avenue for earnings; these trainers often receive $200-$500 per event for game coverage, while industrial settings might offer contracts billing at $50-$80 per hour. Work with college sports events for bowl games or playoffs can yield stipend opportunities between $200-$1,000. The hourly pay nuanced by employer type sees variations; while secondary schools may offer lower rates, settings like professional sports teams and industrial health facilities commonly provide better compensation. Given the trade-offs in benefits such as healthcare, athletic trainers must weigh accepting lower hourly rates for full-time positions against seeking higher pay without benefits in part-time or contract roles. Negotiation is key in Santa Fe; understanding local demand and specific employer advantages could aid trainers in securing more favorable hourly terms.
More salary data for Santa Fe, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe 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