Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Blacksburg, VA: $32.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Blacksburg, VA runs $32.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,953 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Blacksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,166 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Blacksburg, Virginia, will earn a median hourly rate of $32.18, slightly surpassing the national median of $31.45. This competitive pay not only benefits full-time professionals but also makes part-time positions attractive for those working in various settings such as high schools, colleges, and outpatient clinics. Part-time athletic trainers working three days a week can expect a substantial income, particularly when considering the flexible schedules offered. The hourly range for these trainers spans from $25.52 at the entry level to $44.50 for experienced professionals, thus reflecting a wide spectrum based on experience and specialty. With an average cost of living index of 103.2 in Blacksburg, the athletic trainer hourly pay is strategically aligned to support living in this region while catering to diverse workplace environments.
About the Blacksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.52 | $204.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.56 | $228.51 |
| Median (P50) | $32.18 | $257.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.16 | $305.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.50 | $355.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Blacksburg
Based on $32.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.18/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Blacksburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $66,943 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,621. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Blacksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Blacksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,287.37 | $5,579 | $66,943 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $772.42 | $3,347 | $40,166 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $514.95 | $2,231 | $26,777 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Blacksburg) | $32.18 |
| 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 Blacksburg, VA earn a median of $66,953 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.35% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.80% below the Virginia state average of $67,493.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.18/hr = $40,166/year (purchasing power: $38,920).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,943/year (purchasing power: $64,867).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+80.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Blacksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Blacksburg grew 65.2% from $18.62/hr (2019) to $30.76/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.67/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 Blacksburg 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 Blacksburg
Exploring part-time earnings reveals that an athletic trainer working 24 hours a week will still take home a respectable income compared to full-time peers. Per diem opportunities, in particular, offer lucrative options, with event coverage typically paying between $200 and $500 per game. In industrial settings, athletic trainers can earn $50 to $80 per hour, significantly increasing the potential for higher earnings compared to traditional school roles. For trainers in college athletics, bowl games, and playoff coverage can demand stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000, further enhancing earnings potential. It's crucial for those entering the field to weigh benefits against higher hourly rates, as many will need to decide between lower hourly pay with health insurance or higher pay in positions lacking benefits. Negotiating hourly rates successfully in Blacksburg requires knowledge of local salary trends and a clear understanding of the diverse employer landscape, serving as a key strategy for securing desired positions in this evolving field.
More salary data for Blacksburg, VA:
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 Blacksburg. 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 Blacksburg 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