Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Pinehurst, NC: $26.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Pinehurst, NC runs $26.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,289 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Pinehurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,579 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Pinehurst, NC, athletic trainers can expect a median hourly rate of $26.11, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45. This rate is particularly relevant for those working part-time, such as in high school or college settings, where working three days a week could lead to meaningful income. The hourly wage can vary significantly; entry-level trainers may earn near $21.88, while more experienced professionals can make up to $34.80. Many athletic trainers may also find opportunities for per-diem work in various environments, from collegiate athletic facilities to industrial clinics, where their hourly pay can vary based on the setting and specific duties. It's important to note that the numbers cited here are projections based on 2025 BLS data, which provides a snapshot of the expected compensation landscape for 2026.
About the Pinehurst 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) | $21.88 | $175.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.97 | $191.77 |
| Median (P50) | $26.11 | $208.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.30 | $242.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.80 | $278.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pinehurst
Based on $26.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.11/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pinehurst, NC can expect to earn approximately $54,299 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,326. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pinehurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pinehurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,044.21 | $4,525 | $54,299 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $626.52 | $2,715 | $32,579 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $417.68 | $1,810 | $21,720 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Pinehurst) | $26.11 |
| 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 Pinehurst, NC earn a median of $54,289 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.01% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.30% below the North Carolina state average of $58,565.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.11/hr = $32,579/year (purchasing power: $34,807).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,299/year (purchasing power: $58,012).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Pinehurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Pinehurst grew 29.1% from $19.33/hr (2019) to $24.95/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.31/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 Pinehurst 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 Pinehurst
Part-time athletic trainers working in Pinehurst who follow a three-day workweek, totaling roughly 24 hours, could anticipate an annual income of around $31,211, significantly lower than those working full-time. Additionally, for per-diem roles, pay rates can fluctuate widely; per-event game coverage generally pays between $200 and $500, while industrial settings might see rates of $50 to $80 per hour for athletic trainers. Stipends for specialized events, such as college bowl games, might even range from $200 to $1,000. Employment types—such as high schools, NCAA institutions, or industrial health roles—also influence hourly wages due to differing budget structures. Athletic trainers often weigh benefits against pay; accepting lower hourly rates in some positions can result in health insurance and paid leave, while eager prospects might opt for higher hourly compensation when working for agencies. Negotiating effectively is key in Pinehurst’s market, where well-articulated demands and demonstrated expertise can support an athletic trainer’s hourly aspirations.
More salary data for Pinehurst, 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 Pinehurst. 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 Pinehurst 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