Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Herndon, VA: $30.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Herndon, VA runs $30.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,237 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Herndon's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,946 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Herndon, Virginia, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $30.41, slightly below the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate reflects the diverse employment landscape for athletic trainers, who often work in settings ranging from high school training rooms to professional sports facilities and outpatient clinics. For those opting for part-time employment—perhaps working three days a week—this pay translates to about $1,454 weekly based on a typical schedule of 24 hours, with potential for additional income reflecting per-diem opportunities. The hourly pay for athletic trainers in Herndon varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting as low as $26.02 and experienced professionals, or those working in specialized industrial or medical environments, potentially earning up to $39.32 an hour.
About the Herndon 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) | $26.02 | $208.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.31 | $226.50 |
| Median (P50) | $30.41 | $243.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.54 | $276.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.32 | $314.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Herndon
Based on $30.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.41/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Herndon, VA can expect to earn approximately $63,243 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,487. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Herndon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Herndon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,216.22 | $5,270 | $63,243 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.73 | $3,162 | $37,946 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.49 | $2,108 | $25,297 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Herndon) | $30.41 |
| 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 Herndon, VA earn a median of $63,237 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.33% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $67,489.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.41/hr = $37,946/year (purchasing power: $36,769).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,243/year (purchasing power: $61,282).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Herndon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Herndon grew 29.1% from $22.52/hr (2019) to $29.06/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.81/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 Herndon 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 Herndon
For part-time athletic trainers, the annual compensation can be substantial, but it rarely matches the full earnings possible for those in full-time roles. Working three days a week at the median hourly rate could yield an annual income of around $75,000, compared to the average earnings that full-time colleagues achieve. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Herndon, which can range from $200 to $500 per event for game coverage, adds another dimension to earning potential. Various employers offer distinct hourly rates; industrial positions typically attract higher pay—between $50 and $80 per hour—compared to roles in secondary schools or outpatient clinics. Athletic trainers might negotiate for higher hourly rates at the expense of benefits, with some trade-offs in healthcare coverage. It’s essential for professionals in this field to understand prevailing hourly rates in Herndon and to prepare negotiation strategies reflecting their unique skills, particularly in this evolving landscape where a master’s degree is now mandatory for new entrants to the profession following the 2022 educational transition.
More salary data for Herndon, 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 Herndon. 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 Herndon 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