Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Garner, NC: $27.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Garner, NC runs $27.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,189 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Garner's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,715 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garner, North Carolina, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected at $27.02 for 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $31.45. This disparity can significantly affect those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For example, a per diem athletic trainer may earn between $200 to $500 for covering an event, allowing flexibility but with less financial stability compared to full-time roles. Entry-level athletic trainers can expect to earn approximately $22.08 per hour, while experienced professionals can command rates up to $38.28. As employers vary—ranging from high schools to professional sports teams—the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Garner reflects the local market dynamics while also being influenced by the athletic trainer hourly rate NC trend.
About the Garner 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) | $22.08 | $176.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.51 | $196.12 |
| Median (P50) | $27.02 | $216.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.53 | $260.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.28 | $306.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garner
Based on $27.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.02/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garner, NC can expect to earn approximately $56,192 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,419. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Garner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,080.62 | $4,683 | $56,192 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $648.37 | $2,810 | $33,715 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $432.25 | $1,873 | $22,477 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Garner) | $27.02 |
| 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 Garner, NC earn a median of $56,189 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.10% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $58,592.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.02/hr = $33,715/year (purchasing power: $36,021).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,192/year (purchasing power: $60,034).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Garner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Garner grew 29.1% from $20.01/hr (2019) to $25.82/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.27/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 Garner 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 Garner
While part-time athletic trainers working three days a week (24 hours) in Garner can expect to take home roughly $33,206 annually, full-time colleagues often enjoy higher overall earnings and more comprehensive benefits. Per diem or agency workers must navigate the unpredictabilities of event coverage and contract negotiations, often realizing rates varying based on the employer—from secondary schools to industrial settings like Toyota or FedEx. Additionally, some athletic trainers within clinical and military environments may negotiate lower hourly rates in exchange for benefit packages, while others may prioritize higher hourly wages without benefits, depending on personal circumstances. Local insights reveal that those operating in industrial environments can demand $50 to $80 per hour due to specialized roles. For effective negotiation, it’s crucial for athletic trainers in Garner to benchmark compensation against these varied contexts, ensuring they find the right balance for their career goals within this shifting landscape.
More salary data for Garner, 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 Garner. 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 Garner 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