Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Akron, OH: $30.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Akron, OH runs $30.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,123 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Akron's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,868 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Athletic trainers in Akron, Ohio, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $30.34 in 2026, which is slightly below the national average of $31.45 per hour. This hourly rate impacts those working part-time, such as athletic trainers who may only commit to three days a week in settings like high schools, colleges, or professional sports training facilities. With a pay range from $24.53 at the entry level to $36.49 for more experienced trainers, the profession provides a viable income. For individuals seeking per-diem roles, compensation varies widely based on the specific events or healthcare facilities, leading to varying income landscapes. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ projections for 2026, highlights the unique economic context for athletic trainers in Akron.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.53 | $196.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.89 | $239.14 |
| Median (P50) | $30.34 | $242.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.67 | $261.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.49 | $291.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Akron
Based on $30.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.34/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Akron, OH can expect to earn approximately $63,113 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,411. With a cost-of-living index of 93.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Akron.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Akron
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,213.71 | $5,259 | $63,113 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $728.22 | $3,156 | $37,868 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.48 | $2,104 | $25,245 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Akron) | $30.34 |
| 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 Akron, OH earn a median of $63,123 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.80% below the Ohio state average of $64,280.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.34/hr = $37,868/year (purchasing power: $40,557).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,113/year (purchasing power: $67,594).
CoL index: 93.37 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Akron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Akron grew 25.8% from $23.05/hr (2019) to $29.00/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.75/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 Akron 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 Akron
When considering the financial prospects of part-time athletic trainers working 24 hours a week, one must take into account the annual income they could secure, which would be substantially lower than those in full-time positions. Per-diem athletic trainer pay in Akron can range significantly, with events paying between $200 and $500, while industrial settings tend to offer higher rates, usually between $50 and $80 per hour for contracted services. Additionally, trainers in different environments—such as secondary schools, NCAA institutions, and industrial health settings—experience varying pay scales influenced by their employers’ resources and the specific nature of the work. Many trainers face the decision to prioritize hourly pay against benefits like health insurance, often accepting lower rates for positions that offer job security and comprehensive coverage. For those entering or already working in the field, negotiating salary effectively, while also considering factors like benefits and job satisfaction, becomes critical in navigating career options in Akron’s athletic training landscape.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
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 Akron. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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