Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Salem, OR: $32.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Salem, OR runs $32.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,142 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,884 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Oregon, the projected median hourly pay for athletic trainers in 2026 is $32.76, surpassing the national median of $31.45. This competitive rate provides a solid foundation for those working part-time, particularly in high school athletic training rooms, college athletic facilities, and in various clinical settings. For athletic trainers committed to a three-day workweek, this hourly pay translates effectively into a reasonable annual income, allowing flexibility in schedules. The hourly pay can range from entry-level positions earning about $23.82 to top earners making as much as $48.60 per hour. These figures highlight the diverse settings where athletic trainers work, from professional sports teams to military bases and outpatient clinics, reflecting the importance of athletic training in various sectors of health and wellness in Salem.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.82 | $190.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.69 | $221.48 |
| Median (P50) | $32.76 | $262.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.41 | $323.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.60 | $388.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $32.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.76/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, OR can expect to earn approximately $68,140 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,312. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,310.39 | $5,678 | $68,140 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $786.23 | $3,407 | $40,884 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $524.15 | $2,271 | $27,256 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Salem) | $32.76 |
| 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 Salem, OR earn a median of $68,142 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.17% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.50% above the Oregon state average of $67,135.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.76/hr = $40,884/year (purchasing power: $39,848).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,140/year (purchasing power: $66,413).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Salem grew 38.8% from $22.56/hr (2019) to $31.31/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.28/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 Salem 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 Salem
Exploring the financial landscape, part-time athletic trainers in Salem, working around 24 hours a week, could expect to bring home just under $40,000 annually, which is significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Those engaged as per diem athletic trainers may receive game coverage fees ranging from $200 to $500 per event, making it an attractive option for those seeking supplemental income. Industrial athletic trainers often earn between $50 and $80 per hour in large facility environments, while college postseason events may offer stipends between $200 and $1,000. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on the employer, with secondary schools typically offering lower pay compared to industries and professional sports organizations. While some athletic trainers may choose lower hourly rates for the associated health benefits, others prioritize higher pay without benefits for the added financial freedom. When negotiating salaries in Salem, highlighting specialized skills and flexibility can be advantageous, considering the diverse sectors within athletic training that can influence compensation.
More salary data for Salem, OR:
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 Salem. 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 Salem 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