Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Tahlequah, OK: $26.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Tahlequah, OK runs $26.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,825 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Tahlequah's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,493 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $26.84 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45. This hourly pay reflects a range that starts at $21.93 for entry-level positions and can reach up to $35.04 for more experienced professionals. For athletic trainers who work part-time, particularly in settings like high school training rooms or college athletic facilities, this translates to a variable income based on the number of hours worked each week. For example, a trainer working three days a week may take home around $1,360 monthly, which could be further supplemented through per-diem assignments in different environments, including military bases and outpatient clinics.
About the Tahlequah Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.93 | $175.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.16 | $193.27 |
| Median (P50) | $26.84 | $214.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.26 | $250.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.04 | $280.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tahlequah
Based on $26.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.84/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tahlequah, OK can expect to earn approximately $55,822 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,205. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tahlequah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tahlequah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,073.50 | $4,652 | $55,822 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $644.10 | $2,791 | $33,493 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $429.40 | $1,861 | $22,329 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Tahlequah) | $26.84 |
| 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 Tahlequah, OK earn a median of $55,825 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.66% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.00% below the Oklahoma state average of $58,151.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.84/hr = $33,493/year (purchasing power: $37,675).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,822/year (purchasing power: $62,792).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Tahlequah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Tahlequah grew 29.1% from $19.87/hr (2019) to $25.65/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.08/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 Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah
When examining the part-time earning potential in more detail, a Tahlequah athletic trainer working a typical 3-day week would generate significantly less income annually compared to full-time peers. Per-diem athletic trainers often find that game coverage can yield between $200 and $500 per event, while industrial positions might pay between $50 and $80 an hour. Those on the college-level circuit might receive stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000 for bowl game coverage. However, the variation in hourly rates across employer types—with secondary schools generally offering lower pay compared to industrial or occupational health settings—encourages many athletic trainers to consider trade-offs such as benefits over higher hourly rates. For those negotiating in Tahlequah, it is wise to research local industry standards and leverage potential perks like health insurance when discussing pay.
More salary data for Tahlequah, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Tahlequah in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Tahlequah?
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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 Tahlequah. 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 Tahlequah 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