Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Goose Creek, SC: $28.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Goose Creek, SC runs $28.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,444 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Goose Creek's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,060 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Goose Creek, SC, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $28.09, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45. This rate can impact the earnings of part-time trainers working approximately three days a week, who might manage to net around $43,000 annually if they maintain regular hours. Various settings like high school athletic training rooms, college facilities, professional teams, or outpatient clinics can affect pay rates. Here, entry-level trainers might start at an hourly rate of $23.12, while the top 10% could earn up to $38.88. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the professional landscape of athletic trainers in this region.
About the Goose Creek Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.12 | $184.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.91 | $199.30 |
| Median (P50) | $28.09 | $224.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.26 | $266.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.88 | $311.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Goose Creek
Based on $28.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.09/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Goose Creek, SC can expect to earn approximately $58,434 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,712. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Goose Creek.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Goose Creek
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,123.73 | $4,869 | $58,434 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $674.24 | $2,922 | $35,060 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.49 | $1,948 | $23,374 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Goose Creek) | $28.09 |
| 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 Goose Creek, SC earn a median of $58,444 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.66% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.00% below the South Carolina state average of $60,879.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.09/hr = $35,060/year (purchasing power: $38,317).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,434/year (purchasing power: $63,862).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Goose Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Goose Creek grew 29.1% from $20.80/hr (2019) to $26.85/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.39/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 Goose Creek 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 Goose Creek
In terms of part-time prospects, a trainer working 24 hours a week might take home a steady income that could be less than if employed full-time. Per-diem opportunities also provide flexibility, with game coverage for events paying between $200 and $500 each time. In industrial or occupational health positions, contractors can earn between $50 and $80 per hour, while coverage for major college events can net trainers substantial stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000. The variation in hourly rates across different employers in Goose Creek—from high schools to professional sports teams—creates a diverse earning environment. While some athletic trainers may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance benefits, others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiation is key; understanding market values and benefits can position trainers more effectively when discussing pay, particularly in a competitive job market like this one.
More salary data for Goose Creek, SC:
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 Goose Creek. 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 Goose Creek 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