Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Buffalo, NY: $28.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Buffalo, NY runs $28.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,022 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Buffalo's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,413 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Buffalo, NY, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be $28.38 per hour in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45 per hour. For part-time athletic trainers working about three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a modest income, especially in environments such as high school training rooms or college facilities. The salary range for athletic trainers in Buffalo varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $24.61 per hour, while top earners can make up to $48.48 per hour. Such figures highlight the earning potential for athletic trainers in various settings, including professional sports teams, industrial clinics, and military bases—all of which offer unique work circumstances and payment structures. These insights are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.61 | $196.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.17 | $201.39 |
| Median (P50) | $28.38 | $227.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.09 | $264.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.48 | $387.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buffalo
Based on $28.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.38/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buffalo, NY can expect to earn approximately $59,021 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,051. With a cost-of-living index of 95.84 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Buffalo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buffalo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,135.03 | $4,918 | $59,021 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $681.02 | $2,951 | $35,413 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $454.01 | $1,967 | $23,609 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Buffalo) | $28.38 |
| 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 Buffalo, NY earn a median of $59,022 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.77% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 9.40% below the New York state average of $65,145.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.38/hr = $35,413/year (purchasing power: $36,948).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,021/year (purchasing power: $61,581).
CoL index: 95.844 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Buffalo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Buffalo grew 25.1% from $21.68/hr (2019) to $27.12/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.69/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buffalo 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 Buffalo
Beyond the straightforward hourly pay structure lies a world of earning dynamics for athletic trainers in Buffalo. For instance, a part-time athletic trainer working 24 hours weekly would see an annual take-home that starkly contrasts with full-time colleagues, potentially limiting professional growth and access to benefits. This reality beckons many to explore per diem opportunities, where compensation for game coverage can range from $200 to $500 per event, making per diem athletic trainer pay in Buffalo potentially lucrative for those willing to take on varied commitments. Additionally, athletic trainers in industrial settings often find their roles appealing due to the higher hourly rates of $50-$80, which can be significantly better than rates offered in secondary educational institutions. However, many athletic trainers may have to weigh the benefits of stable employment with health insurance against higher hourly wages without such perks. For those negotiating their hourly rate, it’s crucial to gauge local demand and be aware of regional differences in employer types, ranging from colleges to outpatient clinics. Understanding these factors can empower athletic trainers to make informed decisions regarding their careers in the Buffalo area.
More salary data for Buffalo, NY:
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 Buffalo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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