Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Charlotte, NC: $28.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Charlotte, NC runs $28.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,608 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Charlotte's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.3, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,765 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charlotte, North Carolina, the hourly pay for athletic trainers is projected to be $28.66 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $31.45. This pay structure reflects the various working arrangements common in the field, whether full-time or part-time. Those working part-time, potentially three days a week, can expect to earn an amount commensurate with around 24 hours of work weekly, while per-diem athletic trainers, who often cover events or provide specialized services, might find their pay rates vary significantly from standard employment. The hourly wages in Charlotte range from $23.89 for entry-level positions to $38.72 for more experienced professionals, highlighting the earning potential disparities depending on experience and employer type. These figures stem from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and give context to the hourly compensation in both traditional athletic settings and more industrial or clinical environments.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.89 | $191.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.66 | $205.24 |
| Median (P50) | $28.66 | $229.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.46 | $259.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.72 | $309.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charlotte
Based on $28.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.66/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charlotte, NC can expect to earn approximately $59,609 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,390. With a cost-of-living index of 97.35 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charlotte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charlotte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,146.33 | $4,967 | $59,609 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $687.80 | $2,980 | $35,765 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.53 | $1,987 | $23,844 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Charlotte) | $28.66 |
| 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 Charlotte, NC earn a median of $59,608 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.88% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.80% above the North Carolina state average of $58,554.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.66/hr = $35,765/year (purchasing power: $36,740).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,609/year (purchasing power: $61,233).
CoL index: 97.348 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Charlotte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Charlotte grew 20.2% from $22.78/hr (2019) to $27.39/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.99/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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte
Part-time athletic trainers in Charlotte who work three days a week, averaging 24 hours, would earn approximately $35,001 annually, assuming a consistent schedule, whereas full-time trainers have access to full benefits and stability that can justify their higher overall income. Per-diem roles, which many trainers seek for flexibility and additional income, yield varying compensation—covering events can pay between $200 and $500, while industrial contracts might offer $50 to $80 per hour. The hourly rates differ across various employers: high school athletic trainers may earn less compared to their colleagues in collegiate or professional sports environments, where the pay can be more competitive. Moreover, some athletic trainers might prefer the lower hourly wage for the associated benefits such as health insurance, an essential consideration for many professionals today. When negotiating hourly pay in the Charlotte market, it can be advantageous to weigh the benefits against a higher hourly rate devoid of additional perks, and to leverage multiple offers, especially within the growing sectors of occupational health and sports performance.
More salary data for Charlotte, 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 Charlotte. 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