Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Hilton Head Island, SC: $29.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Hilton Head Island, SC runs $29.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,456 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Hilton Head Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,275 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, earn a median hourly rate of $29.07, which is slightly below the national median of $31.45. This pay scale reflects the financial dynamics of the local market for athletic trainers, who typically work in varied environments such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and even professional team training rooms. For those considering part-time or per-diem work, this rate translates to different financial scenarios: a part-time trainer working three days a week can earn a stable income while balancing other commitments, while per-diem trainers may find lucrative opportunities ranging from event coverage for local sports to providing care at industrial sites. The hourly earnings range from $23.15 for entry-level positions to $40.35 for experienced professionals, demonstrating a broad spectrum of pay that reflects experience and specialization within the field.
About the Hilton Head Island 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) | $23.15 | $185.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.85 | $206.83 |
| Median (P50) | $29.07 | $232.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.49 | $275.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.35 | $322.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilton Head Island
Based on $29.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.07/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilton Head Island, SC can expect to earn approximately $60,458 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,879. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hilton Head Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilton Head Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,162.65 | $5,038 | $60,458 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $697.59 | $3,023 | $36,275 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $465.06 | $2,015 | $24,183 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Hilton Head Island) | $29.07 |
| 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 Hilton Head Island, SC earn a median of $60,456 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.58% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.70% below the South Carolina state average of $60,882.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.07/hr = $36,275/year (purchasing power: $39,644).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,458/year (purchasing power: $66,074).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Hilton Head Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Hilton Head Island grew 29.1% from $21.52/hr (2019) to $27.78/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.41/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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island
When considering part-time work, an athletic trainer in Hilton Head Island working 24 hours a week could take home about $36,000 annually, which is significantly lower than a full-time salary. Per-diem roles can offer uniquely flexible options where coverage for events pays anywhere from $200 to $500 each occasion, making it an attractive path for certified athletic trainers. Furthermore, industrial settings often provide higher hourly pay rates, typically between $50 and $80, compared to roles in schools and clinics, which might not offer additional benefits. Many athletic trainers face a choice between accepting lower hourly pay with benefits like health insurance or opting for higher pay without benefits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for negotiations; trainers should find their worth and feel empowered to discuss both their skills and the specific demands of these roles with potential employers in Hilton Head Island.
More salary data for Hilton Head Island, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Hilton Head Island in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Hilton Head Island?
Are athletic trainers in Hilton Head Island paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Hilton Head Island?
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Related Pages
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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 Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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