Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Pittsburgh, PA: $28.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Pittsburgh, PA runs $28.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,126 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Pittsburgh's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.7, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,478 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Athletic trainers in Pittsburgh, PA, can expect a median hourly pay of $28.43, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45. This difference reflects both local market conditions and the cost of living index in the area, sitting below the national average at 94.671. For those working part-time, such as in high schools or college athletic facilities, this translates to substantial earnings even on a limited schedule, especially if they work three days a week. Entry-level positions start at $20.86 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $37.12. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight opportunities for athletic trainers in various settings including professional teams, military bases, and industrial health clinics.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.86 | $166.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.86 | $166.91 |
| Median (P50) | $28.43 | $227.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.22 | $241.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.12 | $296.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsburgh
Based on $28.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.43/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsburgh, PA can expect to earn approximately $59,130 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,114. With a cost-of-living index of 94.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pittsburgh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsburgh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,137.12 | $4,928 | $59,130 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $682.27 | $2,957 | $35,478 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $454.85 | $1,971 | $23,652 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Pittsburgh) | $28.43 |
| 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 Pittsburgh, PA earn a median of $59,126 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.61% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.90% below the Pennsylvania state average of $62,173.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.43/hr = $35,478/year (purchasing power: $37,475).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,130/year (purchasing power: $62,459).
CoL index: 94.671 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Pittsburgh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Pittsburgh grew 31.7% from $20.63/hr (2019) to $27.17/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.74/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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh
Considering the flexibility within the profession, part-time athletic trainers working 24 hours a week can still take home a respectable income annually, significantly less than full-time trainers but still viable. For per-diem athletic trainers in Pittsburgh, event coverage often pays between $200 and $500 per game, which can be lucrative depending on the frequency of events. Furthermore, those in industrial settings can expect hourly rates ranging from $50 to $80. However, the hourly pay often varies dramatically across employer types. While schools may offer lower pay, they provide benefits that might attract some trainers, whereas those in industrial roles often negotiate for higher pay without health benefits. Understanding these dynamics and potential trade-offs is essential for athletic trainers looking to maximize their hourly pay in this diverse job market.
More salary data for Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh. 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