Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Charleston, SC: $31.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Charleston, SC runs $31.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,593 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,356 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, South Carolina, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $31.54, which is slightly above the national median of $31.45. This competitive pay provides a solid foundation for those pursuing part-time positions or per-diem work in various settings such as high schools, colleges, and professional sports teams. With entry-level positions starting at $25.28 and top earners reaching $38.68 per hour, this profession offers significant financial opportunities. With around 100 athletic trainers currently employed in the area, these hourly rates reflect the growing demand for qualified professionals in diverse healthcare environments like military bases and outpatient clinics. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.28 | $202.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.01 | $240.06 |
| Median (P50) | $31.54 | $252.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.51 | $268.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.68 | $309.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $31.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.54/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $65,594 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,843. With a cost-of-living index of 100.96 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,261.42 | $5,466 | $65,594 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $756.85 | $3,280 | $39,356 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $504.57 | $2,186 | $26,238 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Charleston) | $31.54 |
| 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 Charleston, SC earn a median of $65,593 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.27% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 7.80% above the South Carolina state average of $60,847.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.54/hr = $39,356/year (purchasing power: $38,981).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,594/year (purchasing power: $64,969).
CoL index: 100.962 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Charleston grew 33.6% from $22.57/hr (2019) to $30.14/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.00/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time athletic trainers reveals interesting dynamics. For instance, an athletic trainer working three days a week (24 hours) could expect an annual income that significantly differs from full-time roles, impacting healthcare benefits and job security. Per diem work offers a flexible income option, with game coverage paying between $200 and $500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers may charge clients $50 to $80 per hour. Colleges and pro teams often provide stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000 for bowl or playoff game coverage. Notably, hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer type; industrial settings like Toyota or Boeing often pay significantly more than secondary schools and colleges. Athletic trainers may choose lower hourly rates in traditional education roles for the stability of benefits. When negotiating in Charleston, understanding the local job market and typical offerings can aid in securing favorable arrangements, whether for permanent or per diem positions in the ever-evolving field of athletic training.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Charleston?
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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 Charleston. 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