Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Fayetteville, NC: $28.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Fayetteville, NC runs $28.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,602 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Fayetteville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,765 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to reach $28.66 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $31.45. This rate reflects the typical compensation within various working environments, such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional team training rooms. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, this translates to a manageable income that can supplement other pursuits while maintaining a focus on athletes’ healthcare. Additionally, the hourly range spans from $21.70 for entry-level roles to $42.79 for skilled professionals in specialized settings. It’s important to understand that these hourly figures are derived from the estimated annual salaries, which illustrate the financial potential for both emerging trainers and seasoned veterans in Fayetteville.
About the Fayetteville 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) | $21.70 | $173.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.96 | $199.72 |
| Median (P50) | $28.66 | $229.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.23 | $281.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.79 | $342.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fayetteville
Based on $28.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.66/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fayetteville, 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 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fayetteville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fayetteville
| 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 (Fayetteville) | $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 Fayetteville, NC earn a median of $59,602 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.89% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.80% above the North Carolina state average of $58,549.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.66/hr = $35,765/year (purchasing power: $38,211).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,609/year (purchasing power: $63,685).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Fayetteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.73/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 Fayetteville grew 29.1% from $21.22/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 Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville
When evaluating the earning potential for part-time athletic trainers, those working 24 hours a week typically see a substantial difference in their take-home pay compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem roles in Fayetteville can be particularly lucrative, with game coverage often paying between $200 and $500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers contracting in settings like Toyota or Boeing may earn $50 to $80 per hour. College and professional sports coverage can boast stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000 based on event significance. The diversity in hourly wages across various employer types—such as secondary schools, NCAA institutions, and outpatient clinics—makes negotiation critical. While some trainers may accept lower hourly rates for the benefits of health insurance, others may pursue higher pay without benefits. Understanding the local market dynamics can empower athletic trainers in Fayetteville, NC, to make informed career decisions regarding their hourly compensation.
More salary data for Fayetteville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Fayetteville in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Fayetteville?
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Related Pages
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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 Fayetteville. 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 Fayetteville 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