Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Cary, NC: $29.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Cary, NC runs $29.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,239 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Cary's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,345 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cary, North Carolina, the projected hourly median pay for athletic trainers stands at $29.92, which is slightly lower than the national median of $31.45. This hourly rate can have significant implications for part-time professionals or those working on a per-diem basis. For instance, athletic trainers often work in various environments such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional sports team settings. The hourly range for athletic trainers in Cary extends from $23.64 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $43.78 for top earners (90th percentile). These numbers, derived from annual salary estimates, highlight the variability in pay that can exist based on location, experience, and type of employer.
About the Cary 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) | $23.64 | $189.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.71 | $213.70 |
| Median (P50) | $29.92 | $239.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.39 | $283.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.78 | $350.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cary
Based on $29.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.92/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cary, NC can expect to earn approximately $62,242 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,909. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,196.97 | $5,187 | $62,242 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $718.18 | $3,112 | $37,345 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $478.79 | $2,075 | $24,897 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Cary) | $29.92 |
| 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 Cary, NC earn a median of $62,239 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 6.30% above the North Carolina state average of $58,550.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.92/hr = $37,345/year (purchasing power: $39,899).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,242/year (purchasing power: $66,498).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Cary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Cary grew 29.1% from $22.16/hr (2019) to $28.60/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.31/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 Cary 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 Cary
Athletic trainers working part-time in Cary, specifically at three days a week, can expect a yearly take-home income that reflects their reduced hours compared to full-time equivalents. For example, working 24 hours weekly, part-time athletic trainers could expect to earn approximately $46,789 annually, which is lower than a full-time salary but still viable. Per diem opportunities bring their own realities; coverage for events can command rates between $200 and $500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers might bill clients at $50 to $80 per hour. Rates indeed fluctuate significantly depending on the employer, with secondary schools typically offering lower compensation compared to colleges, professional sports teams, and industrial settings like those at Toyota or FedEx. Some athletic trainers might accept positions with lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits, which can be a critical factor in career decisions. Practical negotiation strategies for hourly workers in Cary often emphasize understanding market rates and being prepared to advocate for competitive compensation based on local benchmarks.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Cary in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Cary?
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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 Cary. 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 Cary 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