Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Burlington, NC: $27.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Burlington, NC runs $27.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,385 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,433 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected athletic trainer hourly pay in Burlington, North Carolina, set at $27.59 for 2026, professionals in this field find themselves earning below the national median of $31.45. This hourly rate can significantly impact the lifestyle of part-time trainers, who might work three days a week, translating to around 24 hours of work. For per-diem professionals, who often cover athletic events or clinics, the rate holds particular relevance, especially in diverse settings such as high schools, colleges, and even military bases. The hourly pay range for athletic trainers in Burlington spans from $21.90 for entry-level positions to $40.35 for those at the top of their field, reflecting both experience and the varying demands of specific employers.
About the Burlington 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) | $21.90 | $175.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.68 | $197.46 |
| Median (P50) | $27.59 | $220.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.75 | $270.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.35 | $322.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $27.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.59/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, NC can expect to earn approximately $57,389 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,109. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,103.64 | $4,782 | $57,389 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $662.18 | $2,869 | $34,433 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $441.45 | $1,913 | $22,956 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Burlington) | $27.59 |
| 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 Burlington, NC earn a median of $57,385 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.28% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.00% below the North Carolina state average of $58,556.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.59/hr = $34,433/year (purchasing power: $36,788).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,389/year (purchasing power: $61,313).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Burlington grew 29.1% from $20.43/hr (2019) to $26.37/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.87/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 Burlington 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 Burlington
Considering the earning potential, a part-time athletic trainer in Burlington, working three days a week, would secure an annual income of approximately $43,388, contrasting starkly with a full-time counterpart who might earn around $57,385. The realm of per-diem athletic trainer pay in Burlington offers alternate paths; event coverage can yield $200-$500 per occurrence, while industrial settings might offer $50-$80 per hour. Further, hourly rates inevitably vary with employer type; high schools often provide lower pay compared to professional sports teams or industrial health roles, which may offer higher compensation but fewer benefits. Trainers must carefully evaluate trade-offs, as the allure of higher hourly pay often comes without the security of health benefits. Negotiating offers can be nuanced; focusing on unique skills, the demand in the local market, and the balance between desired hourly pay and associated perks can yield more favorable outcomes in Burlington’s competitive landscape.
More salary data for Burlington, 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 Burlington. 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 Burlington 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