Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $29.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Columbia, SC runs $29.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,863 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,523 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, South Carolina, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $29.27, which is lower than the national median of $31.45. For those working part-time, such as three days a week in various settings—like high schools, colleges, professional teams, and outpatient clinics—this hourly rate translates into more flexible scheduling options while still providing reasonable compensation. The hourly pay ranges from $22.77 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $33.51 for top earners (90th percentile). This information, derived from projected 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlights the potential for athletic trainers in Columbia to earn competitive hourly wages, depending on their experience and the specific environment in which they work.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.77 | $182.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.90 | $215.20 |
| Median (P50) | $29.27 | $234.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.45 | $267.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.51 | $268.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $29.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.27/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $60,871 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,118. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,170.60 | $5,073 | $60,871 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $702.36 | $3,044 | $36,523 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.24 | $2,029 | $24,348 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Columbia) | $29.27 |
| 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 Columbia, SC earn a median of $60,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.96% lower than the national median of $65,415.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.27/hr = $36,523/year (purchasing power: $38,994).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,871/year (purchasing power: $64,990).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Columbia grew 24.8% from $22.41/hr (2019) to $27.97/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.62/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Part-time athletic trainers who work a typical schedule of 24 hours per week can expect to take home about $45,747 annually, significantly less than the income of their full-time counterparts. Per diem athletic trainers working events can see compensation ranging from $200 to $500 per event, while those contracted in industrial settings might bill $50 to $80 per hour, sometimes translating into higher overall earnings. The varied hourly rates reflect employer type—high schools often pay less than colleges, while major sports teams and industrial sectors offer more lucrative opportunities. However, many athletic trainers face a trade-off: they may choose lower hourly wages within educational settings for benefits like health insurance, whereas those working per diem may earn more but lack job security and perks. When negotiating pay in Columbia, potential employees should highlight their certifications through NATA and BOC to strengthen their position, as the demand for credentialed professionals is increasing within this evolving career landscape.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Columbia in 2026?
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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 Columbia. 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