Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Columbus, OH: $30.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Columbus, OH runs $30.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,264 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,560 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer hourly pay in Columbus, Ohio is projected to be $30.90, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $31.45. This compensation reflects the essential role athletic trainers play in various settings, including high school sports, collegiate athletics, professional teams, industrial workplaces, and military bases. For those working part-time, such as three days a week in an educational facility, the potential earnings can provide a suitable income, albeit less than full-time work. Entry-level positions start around $25.41 per hour, while top earners can make up to $38.07 per hour, making this field accessible yet competitive in the local market. These figures are derived from official BLS data, offering a reliable indication of industry standards in Columbus.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.41 | $203.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.08 | $224.66 |
| Median (P50) | $30.90 | $247.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.15 | $273.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.07 | $304.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $30.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.90/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, OH can expect to earn approximately $64,266 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,077. With a cost-of-living index of 95.47 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,235.89 | $5,356 | $64,266 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $741.53 | $3,213 | $38,560 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.36 | $2,142 | $25,707 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Columbus) | $30.90 |
| 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 Columbus, OH earn a median of $64,264 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.76% lower than the national median of $65,415.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.90/hr = $38,560/year (purchasing power: $40,390).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,266/year (purchasing power: $67,316).
CoL index: 95.469 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Columbus grew 28.0% from $23.08/hr (2019) to $29.53/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.33/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
For part-time athletic trainers, those working a standard schedule of three days a week may expect to take home a considerable income, but it will be significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem opportunities, which have become increasingly popular in this profession, offer diverse earnings potential; event coverage can pay anywhere from $200 to $500 per game, while industrial AT positions often secure hourly rates between $50 and $80. In Columbus, various employer types showcase differing pay scales, with secondary schools typically offering lower rates compared to NCAA institutions and professional teams, which may offer better compensation depending on funding and market demand. While some athletic trainers may opt for positions with lower hourly rates for the benefits such as health insurance, others might prefer higher hourly pay with no benefits, emphasizing the necessity of negotiation skills to ensure fair compensation in a competitive field. Understanding the specifics of the athletic trainer hourly rate in OH and the nuances between various work environments can significantly impact earning potential and career satisfaction.
More salary data for Columbus, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Columbus 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 Columbus. 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