Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Dayton, OH: $31.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Dayton, OH runs $31.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,430 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Dayton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,852 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
With a median hourly pay of $31.93, athletic trainers in Dayton, Ohio, are positioned slightly above the national median of $31.45. This hourly rate is particularly favorable for those seeking part-time positions, such as working three days a week in various settings that include high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and even professional team environments. The hourly range for athletic trainers in Dayton varies significantly, from around $26.95 at the entry-level to $35.84 for top earners, reflecting the diversity in experience and workplace settings. According to 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, this pay structure is representative of the athletic training profession's versatility, allowing for various employment arrangements including full-time positions and per-diem work.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.95 | $215.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.73 | $237.80 |
| Median (P50) | $31.93 | $255.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.90 | $263.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.84 | $286.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dayton
Based on $31.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.93/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dayton, OH can expect to earn approximately $66,421 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,320. With a cost-of-living index of 92.69 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dayton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dayton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,277.32 | $5,535 | $66,421 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $766.39 | $3,321 | $39,852 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.93 | $2,214 | $26,568 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Dayton) | $31.93 |
| 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 Dayton, OH earn a median of $66,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.55% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.40% above the Ohio state average of $64,245.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.93/hr = $39,852/year (purchasing power: $42,994).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,421/year (purchasing power: $71,656).
CoL index: 92.694 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Dayton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Dayton grew 36.9% from $22.29/hr (2019) to $30.52/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.41/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 Dayton 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 Dayton
Athletic trainers opting for part-time roles, such as a 24-hour workweek, can anticipate annual earnings significantly lower than those working full-time. For instance, a part-time athletic trainer might take home around $39,584 each year, compared to a full-time colleague who could earn closer to $66,430 annually. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Dayton presents even more variability, with event coverage often bringing in $200-$500 per game and industrial settings typically billing their athletic trainers at $50-$80 per hour. The pay can fluctuate based on the type of employer; professional sports teams generally afford higher rates than secondary schools. It's worth considering that some athletic trainers may accept lower hourly rates from organizations that provide health benefits, choosing stability over higher earnings without benefits. Negotiating an hourly rate requires insight into local pay scales and industry standards, especially given the 4.63% projected growth rate in the sector. Understanding one’s worth, along with the demands of specific settings, is crucial for securing appropriate compensation in the evolving athletic training profession.
More salary data for Dayton, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Dayton 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 Dayton. 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