Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Fairfax, VA: $30.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Fairfax, VA runs $30.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,450 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Fairfax's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,664 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Fairfax, Virginia, earn a median hourly pay of $30.98, slightly below the national median of $31.45. This hourly rate makes the profession viable for part-time or per-diem workers, especially in diverse environments such as high school training rooms, collegiate athletic facilities, or professional sports team settings. With a pay range from $24.89 for entry-level positions to $41.19 for top earners, athletic trainers can find opportunities that fit their work-life balance while still maintaining competitive compensation. The estimates for these hourly rates derive from annual salary data, providing a framework for prospective athletic trainers to understand their potential earnings.
About the Fairfax 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) | $24.89 | $199.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.67 | $221.40 |
| Median (P50) | $30.98 | $247.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.90 | $287.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.19 | $329.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfax
Based on $30.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.98/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfax, VA can expect to earn approximately $64,440 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,177. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfax.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfax
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,239.24 | $5,370 | $64,440 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $743.54 | $3,222 | $38,664 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $495.70 | $2,148 | $25,776 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Fairfax) | $30.98 |
| 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 Fairfax, VA earn a median of $64,450 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.48% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $67,487.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.98/hr = $38,664/year (purchasing power: $37,465).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,440/year (purchasing power: $62,442).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Fairfax grew 29.1% from $22.94/hr (2019) to $29.61/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.42/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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax
When considering the annual take-home salary, part-time athletic trainers working three days a week for 24 hours contribute significantly to their overall income compared to full-time roles. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Fairfax is also notable, with event coverage typically ranging from $200 to $500 depending on the occasion. In addition, industrial settings often offer hourly billing rates from $50 to $80, particularly for occupational health services, creating a lucrative niche for those willing to expand their practice beyond traditional sports. Employers across sectors like secondary education, NCAA colleges, and professional sports teams may have different compensation structures. While some athletic trainers might opt for slightly lower hourly rates to secure health benefits, others may prefer higher pay without benefits, making negotiation skills essential in this field. Understanding Fairfax's market will empower athletic trainers to effectively communicate their value in a competitive job environment.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Fairfax in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Fairfax?
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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 Fairfax. 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 Fairfax 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