Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Philadelphia, PA: $32.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Philadelphia, PA runs $32.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,796 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Philadelphia's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,074 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, athletic trainers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, are expected to earn a median hourly pay of $32.11, which is slightly higher than the national median of $31.45. This competitive hourly rate is advantageous for those pursuing part-time positions or per diem work, which is common in settings like high school training rooms, collegiate athletic facilities, professional sports teams, and clinics. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, scheduling flexibility may be appealing, though it limits weekly earnings compared to full-time positions. The hourly pay range in Philadelphia varies significantly, from $27.90 for entry-level roles to $47.63 for experienced trainers, making it a viable option for those seeking diverse opportunities within the industry.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.90 | $223.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.81 | $246.51 |
| Median (P50) | $32.11 | $256.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.14 | $297.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.63 | $381.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Philadelphia
Based on $32.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.11/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Philadelphia, PA can expect to earn approximately $66,791 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,533. With a cost-of-living index of 102.55 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Philadelphia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Philadelphia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,284.44 | $5,566 | $66,791 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $770.66 | $3,340 | $40,074 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $513.78 | $2,226 | $26,716 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Philadelphia) | $32.11 |
| 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 Philadelphia, PA earn a median of $66,796 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.11% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 7.40% above the Pennsylvania state average of $62,193.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.11/hr = $40,074/year (purchasing power: $39,076).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,791/year (purchasing power: $65,127).
CoL index: 102.554 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Philadelphia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Philadelphia grew 32.8% from $23.11/hr (2019) to $30.69/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.60/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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia
When considering part-time roles, an athletic trainer working 24 hours a week could see annual earnings that are significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, depending on how many weeks they work each year. Per diem athletic trainers often engage in specialized event coverage, with pay ranging from $200 to $500 per event, while those working in industrial settings frequently charge between $50 and $80 per hour. Hourly rates can vary notably between employer types in Philadelphia; for instance, high school athletic trainers may earn less than those employed by professional sports teams or colleges. Many trainers must weigh the trade-offs between attractive hourly rates and the benefits offered by full-time positions, such as health insurance. For those in Philadelphia, negotiating favorable terms can significantly impact overall compensation, especially for roles within large organizations like Toyota or Boeing.
More salary data for Philadelphia, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Philadelphia in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Philadelphia?
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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 Philadelphia. 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