Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Chesapeake, VA: $31.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Chesapeake, VA runs $31.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,681 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Chesapeake's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,808 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chesapeake, Virginia, athletic trainers command a median hourly pay of $31.10, slightly below the national median of $31.45. This pay scale reflects the diverse environments in which athletic trainers work, ranging from high school sports training rooms to college athletic facilities, professional teams, and industrial health clinics. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate to substantial earnings, whether they are engaged in per-diem positions or consistent employment. The hourly earnings for athletic trainers can vary significantly, with entry-level professionals earning as little as $21.93 per hour, while experienced trainers in high-demand settings can address needs that push their hourly rates upwards to $47.40.
About the Chesapeake 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) | $21.93 | $175.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.66 | $221.31 |
| Median (P50) | $31.10 | $248.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.88 | $311.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.40 | $379.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chesapeake
Based on $31.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.10/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chesapeake, VA can expect to earn approximately $64,680 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,315. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chesapeake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chesapeake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,243.84 | $5,390 | $64,680 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $746.30 | $3,234 | $38,808 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.54 | $2,156 | $25,872 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Chesapeake) | $31.10 |
| 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 Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $64,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.12% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.20% below the Virginia state average of $67,517.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.10/hr = $38,808/year (purchasing power: $37,605).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,680/year (purchasing power: $62,674).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Chesapeake grew 29.1% from $23.03/hr (2019) to $29.72/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.54/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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake
When assessing the earning potential of part-time athletic trainers in Chesapeake, those working 24 hours a week could bring in around $38,909 annually. In comparison, full-time trainers could see significantly higher totals. For per-diem athletic trainers, game coverage can yield $200-$500 per event, or $50-$80 per hour for industrial settings, which often pay more due to the specialized skills required. Hourly rates fluctuate between different types of employers—high schools typically pay less than colleges, while professional teams and industrial contracts often provide better compensation. While the trade-off for lower hourly rates at educational institutions might include health benefits, many athletic trainers in Chesapeake find themselves negotiating between higher pay and vital benefits, especially with the BOC credential now requiring a master’s degree. Those in the Chesapeake area should focus on the specifics when negotiating their pay; understanding the local market and employer expectations can help athletic trainers achieve compensation that meets their needs.
More salary data for Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake. 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 Chesapeake 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