Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Chester, PA: $28.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Chester, PA runs $28.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,097 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Chester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,053 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chester, Pennsylvania, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at a median of $28.89, noticeably below the national median of $31.45. This competitive hourly rate provides various earning opportunities for both full-time staff and part-time or per diem workers typically involved in environments such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, professional sports training rooms, and clinics. For those working part-time at around three days a week, the hourly wage can significantly impact yearly income, especially when considering the projected range from $24.08 for entry-level positions to $38.55 for those at the top of their field. These figures are derived from the annual salary data, reflecting the expectations athletic trainers can have in this evolving market.
About the Chester 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) | $24.08 | $192.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.47 | $211.77 |
| Median (P50) | $28.89 | $231.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.34 | $266.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.55 | $308.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chester
Based on $28.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.89/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chester, PA can expect to earn approximately $60,088 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,666. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,155.53 | $5,007 | $60,088 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $693.32 | $3,004 | $36,053 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $462.21 | $2,003 | $24,035 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Chester) | $28.89 |
| 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 Chester, PA earn a median of $60,097 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.13% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $62,213.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.89/hr = $36,053/year (purchasing power: $37,015).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,088/year (purchasing power: $61,692).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Chester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Chester grew 29.1% from $21.39/hr (2019) to $27.61/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.23/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 Chester 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 Chester
When analyzing potential earnings, part-time athletic trainers working 24 hours a week could earn roughly $36,000 annually, which contrasts sharply with a full-time salary. Per diem opportunities often pay $200 to $500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers, particularly at companies like Toyota or Boeing, command rates of $50 to $80 per hour, showing the financial disparity across different settings. Hourly rates also vary based on employer type—those in high school athletic training may earn less compared to their peers in professional sports leagues like the NFL or MLB. Some athletic trainers may opt for positions with lower pay that include health benefits, while others might pursue higher hourly rates without the safety net of insurance. Negotiating flexibility can be key; understanding the differences in employer expectations across Chester can help enhance both career satisfaction and salary outcomes in this dynamic field of athletic training.
More salary data for Chester, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Chester in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Chester?
Are athletic trainers in Chester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Chester?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Chester?
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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 Chester. 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 Chester 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