Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Durham, NC: $29.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Durham, NC runs $29.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,356 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Durham's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,209 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Durham, North Carolina, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $29.01, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45. This local rate reflects the typical environments where athletic trainers operate, such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and various clinics, suggesting that part-time and per-diem work may be appealing to many professionals in the field. For those working three days a week, this translates to an income that allows for a flexible lifestyle while still providing substantial financial support. Entry-level positions may start at $20.29 per hour, while more experienced trainers can reach salaries as high as $44.02, illustrating a diverse earning potential based on experience and specific job settings.
About the Durham 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) | $20.29 | $162.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.70 | $205.58 |
| Median (P50) | $29.01 | $232.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.01 | $280.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.02 | $352.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durham
Based on $29.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.01/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durham, NC can expect to earn approximately $60,349 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,817. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Durham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,160.56 | $5,029 | $60,349 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $696.33 | $3,017 | $36,209 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $464.22 | $2,012 | $24,140 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Durham) | $29.01 |
| 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 Durham, NC earn a median of $60,356 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.73% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.00% above the North Carolina state average of $58,598.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.01/hr = $36,209/year (purchasing power: $38,685).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,349/year (purchasing power: $64,475).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Durham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Durham grew 19.1% from $23.27/hr (2019) to $27.73/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.36/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 Durham 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 Durham
Potential earnings for part-time athletic trainers in Durham can diverge significantly from their full-time counterparts. A trainer working three days a week (approx. 24 hours) could anticipate an annual take-home of around $36,000, outpacing some entry-level full-time salaries yet falling short of what experienced trainers could earn. For per-diem or agency work, the pay varies widely; event coverage often nets $200-$500 per event, whereas industrial athletic trainers may bill between $50-$80 per hour in settings like Toyota or Boeing. Other roles, such as working with professional athletic teams or in outpatient clinics, may offer markedly different compensation. Many in the field weigh the benefits of consistent employment with health insurance against the allure of higher hourly wages available in less stable work arrangements. Effective negotiation can be key in securing the desired compensation, with a clear understanding of the trade-offs that come with seeking positions in different sectors of the industry, particularly in Durham where the hourly pay landscape differs by employer type.
More salary data for Durham, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Durham in 2026?
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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 Durham. 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 Durham 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