Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Lake Ridge, VA: $31.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Lake Ridge, VA runs $31.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,690 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Lake Ridge'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
Athletic trainers in Lake Ridge, Virginia, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $31.10 in 2026, which is slightly below the national average of $31.45. This competitive hourly rate allows for a flexible working schedule, which can be particularly beneficial for part-time professionals. For an athletic trainer working just three days a week, this could translate into opportunities within typical settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and even professional sports environments. The hourly earnings can vary dramatically, ranging from $24.55 for entry-level positions to $42.83 for experienced trainers or those in specialized roles, reflecting the diverse nature of the athletic training profession.
About the Lake Ridge 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) | $24.55 | $196.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.50 | $219.97 |
| Median (P50) | $31.10 | $248.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.79 | $294.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.83 | $342.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Ridge
Based on $31.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.10/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Ridge, 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 Lake Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Ridge
| 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 (Lake Ridge) | $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 Lake Ridge, VA earn a median of $64,690 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.11% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.20% below the Virginia state average of $67,526.
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 Lake Ridge (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 | $26.62/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 Lake Ridge 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 Lake Ridge 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 Lake Ridge
When considering part-time or per-diem options in Lake Ridge, athletic trainers can see quite different annual earnings based on their work arrangements. A part-time trainer working 24 hours a week could earn around $48,000 annually, while full-time trainers have the potential for higher salaries and benefits packages, influencing their total compensation. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Lake Ridge often varies, with event coverage paying between $200 and $500, while industrial contracts may offer $50 to $80 per hour. The type of employer matters significantly; trainers in secondary schools might earn less than those in NCAA programs or professional teams, where pay can reflect the demands of high-stakes environments. Some may opt for higher hourly rates without benefits, trading off for security that comes with lower pay but health insurance options. Understanding the market and negotiating effectively can help professionals align their hourly compensation with their personal and financial goals in this evolving field.
More salary data for Lake Ridge, 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 Lake Ridge. 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 Lake Ridge 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