Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Radford, VA: $31.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Radford, VA runs $31.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,567 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Radford's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,743 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Radford, Virginia, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be $31.04 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $31.45. This hourly compensation reflects the specialized skills required in various environments, including high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and outpatient clinics. The hourly range for athletic trainers in Radford varies significantly, from an entry-level rate of $25.04 to a cap of $40.30 at the highest percentiles. These figures provide insights for those considering part-time work or per diem positions, where flexible hours may appeal to some professionals. With hourly rates derived from annual salary estimates, it's essential for athletic trainers to recognize the potential benefits of optimizing their work schedules, particularly in a setting where job responsibilities are diverse and demanding.
About the Radford 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) | $25.04 | $200.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.01 | $232.11 |
| Median (P50) | $31.04 | $248.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.36 | $282.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.30 | $322.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Radford
Based on $31.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.04/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Radford, VA can expect to earn approximately $64,571 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,252. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Radford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Radford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,241.75 | $5,381 | $64,571 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $745.05 | $3,229 | $38,743 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $496.70 | $2,152 | $25,828 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Radford) | $31.04 |
| 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 Radford, VA earn a median of $64,567 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.30% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.40% below the Virginia state average of $67,539.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.04/hr = $38,743/year (purchasing power: $37,541).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,571/year (purchasing power: $62,569).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Radford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Radford grew 29.1% from $22.99/hr (2019) to $29.67/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.48/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 Radford 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 Radford
Looking at the financial landscape for athletic trainers, those working part-time typically earn considerably less over a year compared to full-time staff. For example, an athletic trainer working three days a week may take home approximately $38,593 annually, while a full-time trainer would earn around $64,567, demonstrating a meaningful difference in total compensation. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Radford can also vary widely, with game coverage for high school events often fetching $200 to $500 per event, and industrial roles in larger facilities paying $50 to $80 per hour. Shifts between employment types reveal varied hourly rates: secondary schools may offer lower pay compared to NCAA colleges or industrial settings, which tend to be more lucrative. Therefore, trainers may need to weigh the trade-offs between securing health benefits and opting for higher pay rates without job security. Negotiation plays a vital role in securing better hourly rates, and those entering the field should come prepared to discuss their unique skills and workplace flexibility.
More salary data for Radford, 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 Radford. 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 Radford 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