Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Kernersville, NC: $27.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Kernersville, NC runs $27.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,035 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Kernersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,825 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Kernersville, North Carolina, can expect a median hourly pay of $27.90 in 2026, which falls below the national hourly median of $31.45. This hourly rate significantly impacts part-time and per-diem opportunities for professionals working in diverse settings, such as high schools, collegiate athletic programs, and outpatient clinics. For those working just three days a week, the earnings can range from $22.11 for entry-level positions to up to $38.59 for highly experienced trainers. Additionally, the hourly earnings reflect a larger spectrum based on the trainer's experience and the setting they operate in, providing the potential for lucrative opportunities as athletic trainers advance in their careers.
About the Kernersville 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) | $22.11 | $176.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.72 | $197.79 |
| Median (P50) | $27.90 | $223.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.02 | $264.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.59 | $308.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kernersville
Based on $27.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.90/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kernersville, NC can expect to earn approximately $58,042 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,486. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kernersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kernersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,116.19 | $4,837 | $58,042 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $669.72 | $2,902 | $34,825 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $446.48 | $1,935 | $23,217 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Kernersville) | $27.90 |
| 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 Kernersville, NC earn a median of $58,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.28% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.90% below the North Carolina state average of $58,562.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.90/hr = $34,825/year (purchasing power: $37,206).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,042/year (purchasing power: $62,011).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Kernersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Kernersville grew 29.1% from $20.66/hr (2019) to $26.67/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.20/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 Kernersville 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 Kernersville
When considering part-time employment as an athletic trainer in Kernersville, professionals working a 24-hour week might take home a significantly lower annual income compared to full-time colleagues. Per-diem roles, particularly in game coverage, can provide greater financial flexibility, with pay ranging from $200 to $500 per event. On the other hand, those in industrial or occupational health settings may bill clients at rates between $50 and $80 per hour. Hourly rates will also vary based on the employer type; secondary schools may offer lower compensation compared to NCAA institutions or professional athletic teams. Many athletic trainers choose positions that provide benefits, even if it means accepting a lower hourly rate, to enjoy job security and health insurance. For those negotiating pay in Kernersville, it's advisable to consider the total compensation package, including health benefits versus hourly pay, and to leverage local demand versus national averages when setting expectations.
More salary data for Kernersville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Kernersville in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Kernersville?
Are athletic trainers in Kernersville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Kernersville?
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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 Kernersville. 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 Kernersville 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