Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Apex, NC: $28.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Apex, NC runs $28.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,967 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Apex's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,387 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apex, North Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for athletic trainers in 2026 is $28.35. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $31.45. For part-time workers, such as those in high school training rooms or outpatient clinics who may work three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a monthly income that can vary significantly based on hours worked. The hourly rate also spans a range from $21.59 for entry-level positions to $39.13 for experienced trainers at the top end of the scale. These estimates provide a foundation for understanding typical earnings for athletic trainers in diverse settings, including NCAA colleges, professional sports, military bases, and industrial environments, reflecting how proximity to specific industries can influence pay.
About the Apex Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.59 | $172.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.67 | $205.33 |
| Median (P50) | $28.35 | $226.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.29 | $266.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.13 | $313.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apex
Based on $28.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.35/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apex, NC can expect to earn approximately $58,978 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,026. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apex.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apex
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,134.19 | $4,915 | $58,978 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $680.51 | $2,949 | $35,387 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $453.68 | $1,966 | $23,591 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Apex) | $28.35 |
| 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 Apex, NC earn a median of $58,967 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.86% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.70% above the North Carolina state average of $58,557.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.35/hr = $35,387/year (purchasing power: $37,806).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,978/year (purchasing power: $63,011).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Apex (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Apex grew 29.1% from $21.00/hr (2019) to $27.10/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.67/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 Apex 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 Apex
When considering a part-time athletic trainer role, working three days a week typically results in an annual take-home that is significantly less than a full-time salary, underscoring the potential drawbacks of part-time positions. Per diem opportunities in Apex can also vary, with event coverage typically offering $200 to $500 per game, while industrial settings might pay athletic trainers between $50 and $80 per hour. For those involved in college bowl games or playoffs, stipends can reach $200 to $1,000, depending on the event's prestige. Employers play a crucial role in this variation; secondary schools often have tighter budgets compared to the more lucrative contracts found within professional teams or industrial health roles. Many trainers may opt for positions that provide solid benefits, even if the hourly rate is lower, highlighting the balancing act of compensation versus job security. Prospective athletic trainers should strategically assess their priorities and negotiate for fair rates while considering Apex’s competitive landscape to maximize their hourly income.
More salary data for Apex, NC:
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 Apex. 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 Apex 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