Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Boone, NC: $26.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Boone, NC runs $26.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,906 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Boone's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,546 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Boone, North Carolina, earn a median hourly rate of $26.88, which is notably below the national median of $31.45. This compensation reflects the regional dynamics within this profession, influenced by the cost of living in Boone, which is approximately 6.54% lower than the national average. For part-time and per-diem workers, this hourly pay translates to significant variations in earnings; for example, an athletic trainer working three days a week could expect to take home around $1,925 each month. The hourly range for athletic trainers in Boone stretches from $21.67 for entry-level roles to $34.73 for those at the higher end of the pay scale. Understanding this range is crucial for those considering positions in high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, professional teams, industrial workplaces, military bases, and outpatient clinics.
About the Boone 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) | $21.67 | $173.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.99 | $191.93 |
| Median (P50) | $26.88 | $215.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.57 | $244.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.73 | $277.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boone
Based on $26.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.88/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boone, NC can expect to earn approximately $55,909 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,255. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Boone.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boone
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,075.18 | $4,659 | $55,909 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $645.11 | $2,795 | $33,546 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $430.07 | $1,864 | $22,364 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Boone) | $26.88 |
| 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 Boone, NC earn a median of $55,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.54% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.60% below the North Carolina state average of $58,602.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.88/hr = $33,546/year (purchasing power: $35,839).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,909/year (purchasing power: $59,732).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Boone (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Boone grew 29.1% from $19.90/hr (2019) to $25.69/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.12/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 Boone 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 Boone
Examining the financial realities for athletic trainers reveals nuanced earning potentials across different employment settings in Boone. An athletic trainer working part-time, providing 24 hours of service weekly, might net around $57,600 annually, significantly less than full-time colleagues. Furthermore, the per-diem rates for game coverage typically range from $200 to $500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers can earn $50 to $80 per hour in settings like Toyota and FedEx. Hourly rates tend to vary, as those employed by NCAA colleges, professional sports teams, or in occupational health often receive different compensations, impacting overall take-home pay. While some may accept lower hourly rates for the benefits associated with full-time positions, others may prioritize higher hourly wages available in agency or locum roles. For anyone negotiating rates in Boone, it’s wise to consider both the potential hourly pay and associated benefits when evaluating job offers.
More salary data for Boone, 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 Boone. 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 Boone 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