Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Bethlehem, PA: $32.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Bethlehem, PA runs $32.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,826 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Bethlehem's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,101 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the projected median hourly pay for an athletic trainer in 2026 is $32.13, slightly surpassing the national median of $31.45. This hourly wage makes it feasible for professionals working part-time or per diem, often found in various settings like high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and even industrial clinics. Entry-level positions typically start around $24.71 per hour, while experienced trainers in specialized roles can earn up to $44.82 per hour. Athletic trainers may find themselves in critical roles across diverse environments such as military bases and physician outpatient clinics, making this an exciting and dynamic career choice in Bethlehem. The hourly rates provided are derived from the estimated annual salaries, offering a clear perspective for those exploring employment options in the city.
About the Bethlehem Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.71 | $197.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.16 | $225.25 |
| Median (P50) | $32.13 | $257.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.02 | $304.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.82 | $358.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethlehem
Based on $32.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.13/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethlehem, PA can expect to earn approximately $66,834 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,558. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bethlehem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethlehem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,285.27 | $5,570 | $66,834 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $771.16 | $3,342 | $40,101 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $514.11 | $2,228 | $26,734 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Bethlehem) | $32.13 |
| 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 Bethlehem, PA earn a median of $66,826 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.16% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 7.50% above the Pennsylvania state average of $62,164.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.13/hr = $40,101/year (purchasing power: $41,171).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,834/year (purchasing power: $68,618).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Bethlehem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Bethlehem grew 29.1% from $23.79/hr (2019) to $30.71/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.62/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 Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem
For those considering part-time work, an athletic trainer working three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, could expect an income of approximately $40,000 annually, in stark contrast to full-time counterparts who enjoy a more stable financial footing. Per-diem athletic trainer pay in Bethlehem varies significantly; coverage for a single game might yield between $200 and $500, while industrial settings often compensate contracts at rates from $50 to $80 per hour. Various employer types influence hourly rates considerably—school athletic training tends to pay less than roles with professional sports teams or industrial health settings, where salaries can be more lucrative. Additionally, it's worth contemplating the balance between hourly wages and health benefits; some athletic trainers may accept lower pay for positions that provide health insurance. Negotiating effectively requires upfront knowledge of these variances, allowing candidates to understand the trade-offs and advocate for appropriate compensation in the Bethlehem area.
More salary data for Bethlehem, PA:
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 Bethlehem. 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 Bethlehem 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