Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Cincinnati, OH: $31.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Cincinnati, OH runs $31.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,881 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Cincinnati's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.4, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,925 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cincinnati, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be $31.19 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $31.45. This rate positions those working in various settings, such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional team training rooms, to earn competitive wages that are essential for their livelihood. For part-time trainers working three days a week, this hourly rate translates primarily into flexible employment opportunities while engaging with athletes and patients. The range from $25.23 for entry-level positions to $39.07 for seasoned professionals indicates the potential for significant income variation depending on experience and specialty within the field. These hourly figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, making them a reliable benchmark for those considering a career in athletic training in Cincinnati.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.23 | $201.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.81 | $214.45 |
| Median (P50) | $31.19 | $249.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.52 | $268.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.07 | $312.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cincinnati
Based on $31.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.19/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cincinnati, OH can expect to earn approximately $64,876 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,428. With a cost-of-living index of 95.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cincinnati.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cincinnati
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,247.61 | $5,406 | $64,876 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $748.56 | $3,244 | $38,925 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $499.04 | $2,163 | $25,950 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Cincinnati) | $31.19 |
| 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 Cincinnati, OH earn a median of $64,881 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.82% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.00% above the Ohio state average of $64,239.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.19/hr = $38,925/year (purchasing power: $40,815).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,876/year (purchasing power: $68,025).
CoL index: 95.37 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Cincinnati (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Cincinnati grew 25.7% from $23.72/hr (2019) to $29.81/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.63/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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati
When looking at the financial landscape for part-time athletic trainers, individuals working just 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $38,464 annually, which is considerably less than full-time counterparts. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Cincinnati ranges dramatically, with game coverage typically paying between $200 and $500 per event. In industrial settings, such as at larger employers like Toyota or Boeing, hourly contracts can range from $50 to $80. Additionally, participating in college bowl games or playoffs can generate stipends anywhere from $200 to $1,000. Given these variations, athletic trainers often weigh the benefits of slightly lower hourly rates in traditional school settings against higher pay options that may lack health insurance. Negotiating for either shift flexibility or comprehensive benefits can be crucial in determining the right job fit within Cincinnati's diverse athletic training environment.
More salary data for Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati. 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