Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Jacksonville, NC: $28.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Jacksonville, NC runs $28.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,861 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Jacksonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,321 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Jacksonville, North Carolina, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $28.30, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45. For those working part-time, perhaps three days a week, this translates into a practical earning potential that can substantially support a flexible lifestyle or additional pursuits. With entry-level positions starting at approximately $21.46 per hour and top earners reaching up to $38.95, athletic trainers have the opportunity to take advantage of a diverse range of settings, from high school training rooms to college athletic facilities and even military bases. This hourly metric, while primarily derived from annual salary estimates, provides clear insight for both full-time and per-diem workers who may also receive sporadic pay that reflects their hours worked rather than a fixed salary.
About the Jacksonville 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) | $21.46 | $171.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.48 | $195.87 |
| Median (P50) | $28.30 | $226.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.17 | $265.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.95 | $311.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jacksonville
Based on $28.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.30/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jacksonville, NC can expect to earn approximately $58,869 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,963. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jacksonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jacksonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,132.10 | $4,906 | $58,869 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $679.26 | $2,943 | $35,321 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $452.84 | $1,962 | $23,548 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Jacksonville) | $28.30 |
| 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 Jacksonville, NC earn a median of $58,861 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.02% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.50% above the North Carolina state average of $58,568.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.30/hr = $35,321/year (purchasing power: $37,737).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,869/year (purchasing power: $62,894).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Jacksonville grew 29.1% from $20.96/hr (2019) to $27.05/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.61/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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
For those considering part-time roles, working as an athletic trainer three days a week results in an annual take-home pay of about $35,000, substantially less than a full-time equivalent salary. However, the gig economy for athletic trainers offers additional opportunities through per-diem work, which can be lucrative—game coverage may bring in $200 to $500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers often bill $50 to $80 an hour at large facilities. Employers such as secondary schools may not offer the same rates as NCAA colleges or professional teams, where hourly wages can significantly vary. Some athletic trainers accept lower hourly rates for traditional schools in exchange for health insurance and stable hours, while those freelancing may prioritize higher pay over benefits. Negotiating in Jacksonville's job market involves understanding these dynamics and recognizing that various employer types can lead to differing hourly compensation structures.
More salary data for Jacksonville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville 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