Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Waynesboro, VA: $30.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Waynesboro, VA runs $30.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,135 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Waynesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,481 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waynesboro, Virginia, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median hourly wage of $30.83, which is slightly below the national median of $31.45. This income provides a stable foundation for both full-time positions and part-time work, making it viable for those considering engagements in various settings such as high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, and outpatient clinics. For part-time trainers working approximately three days a week, this hourly rate allows for a decent income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly pay for athletic trainers can vary widely, ranging from $24.61 for entry-level positions to as much as $42.47 for top earners, reflecting the diversity of roles and experience levels in the profession.
About the Waynesboro 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) | $24.61 | $196.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.35 | $218.80 |
| Median (P50) | $30.83 | $246.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.90 | $279.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.47 | $339.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waynesboro
Based on $30.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.83/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waynesboro, VA can expect to earn approximately $64,136 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,001. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waynesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waynesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,233.38 | $5,345 | $64,136 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $740.03 | $3,207 | $38,481 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $493.35 | $2,138 | $25,654 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Waynesboro) | $30.83 |
| 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 Waynesboro, VA earn a median of $64,135 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.96% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 5.00% below the Virginia state average of $67,511.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.83/hr = $38,481/year (purchasing power: $37,288).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,136/year (purchasing power: $62,147).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Waynesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Waynesboro grew 29.1% from $22.83/hr (2019) to $29.47/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.26/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 Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro
The earning potential for athletic trainers in Waynesboro showcases a dynamic variance, particularly for those exploring part-time or per-diem opportunities. For instance, an athletic trainer working just three days a week for a total of 24 hours can expect to take home about $38,190 annually, far less than what a full-time professional would earn. Per diem work can be more lucrative, often yielding between $200 and $500 per event, which is particularly advantageous during high-profile games or events. In different contexts, such as industrial health settings with employers like Toyota and Boeing, hourly compensations can rise to $50-$80. It’s crucial for these professionals to consider a trade-off between higher hourly pay without benefits and lower rates that offer essential health coverage. Negotiation strategies tailored for hours worked can help maximize their earnings, especially in a market where competitive positions are influenced by employer type—from high schools to military clinics.
More salary data for Waynesboro, 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 Waynesboro. 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 Waynesboro 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