Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $29.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Memphis, TN runs $29.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,685 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,405 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, athletic trainers earn a median hourly pay of $29.17, reflecting a slight decrease compared to the national median of $31.45. This hourly rate opens various opportunities, especially for part-time and per-diem workers across diverse environments such as high schools, universities, professional sports teams, and industrial clinics. The hourly wage for athletic trainers can range significantly, from $9.79 at the entry-level to $37.98 for those in high-demand positions or with specialized skills. These insights are crucial for prospective trainers as they evaluate career paths within the Memphis area, utilizing official Bureau of Labor Statistics data to understand their potential earnings based on location and employer type.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $9.79 | $78.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.85 | $166.82 |
| Median (P50) | $29.17 | $233.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.18 | $257.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.98 | $303.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $29.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.17/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $60,675 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,005. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,166.83 | $5,056 | $60,675 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $700.10 | $3,034 | $36,405 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $466.73 | $2,023 | $24,270 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Memphis) | $29.17 |
| 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 Memphis, TN earn a median of $60,685 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.23% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $60,025.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.17/hr = $36,405/year (purchasing power: $39,494).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,675/year (purchasing power: $65,823).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Memphis grew 30.4% from $21.38/hr (2019) to $27.88/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.52/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 Memphis 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 Memphis
Examining the earning potential for part-time athletic trainers, a typical 24-hour workweek results in an annual income considerably less than that of full-time professionals, meaning financial planning is essential for those balancing multiple roles or taking on per diem work. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Memphis can be lucrative, often ranging from $200 to $500 per event for game coverage, while those contracted in industrial settings may command hourly rates between $50 and $80. Meanwhile, collegiate and professional sports opportunities can offer stipends of $200 to $1,000 for coverage at significant events. Within Memphis, athletic trainers working in secondary schools may earn lower hourly rates than those in industrial health settings, which often provide more substantial financial incentives. For many trainers, the trade-off often comes down to the choice between accepting lower hourly wages with benefits or pursuing higher pay without health insurance. Negotiating for a competitive hourly rate in this evolving landscape requires an understanding of each employer type's budget and the added value of specialized skills.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Memphis in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Memphis?
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Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Memphis?
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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 Memphis. 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