Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Bellevue, WA: $35.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Bellevue, WA runs $35.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,938 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Bellevue's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,357 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bellevue, Washington, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at $35.54, significantly surpassing the national median of $31.45. This attractive rate offers lucrative opportunities for various working arrangements, particularly for part-time or per-diem positions in high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional team training environments. Entry-level athletic trainers can expect to earn around $25.99 per hour, while those at the top of the scale, typically with extensive experience and specialized skills, can command hourly rates up to $53.15. These hourly figures are informative estimates derived from annual salary data and speak volumes about the value placed on athletic trainers in this affluent area, where the cost of living index is 107.4—above the national average.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.99 | $207.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.23 | $241.82 |
| Median (P50) | $35.54 | $284.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.65 | $341.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.15 | $425.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellevue
Based on $35.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.54/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellevue, WA can expect to earn approximately $73,929 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,651. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellevue.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellevue
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,421.71 | $6,161 | $73,929 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $853.03 | $3,696 | $44,357 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $568.68 | $2,464 | $29,572 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Bellevue) | $35.54 |
| 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 Bellevue, WA earn a median of $73,938 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.03% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 5.20% above the Washington state average of $70,283.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.54/hr = $44,357/year (purchasing power: $41,301).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,929/year (purchasing power: $68,835).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Bellevue grew 29.1% from $26.32/hr (2019) to $33.97/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.19/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 Bellevue 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 Bellevue
When considering part-time employment, an athletic trainer working three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, could take home around $43,199 annually—quite competitive for part-time work, especially compared to full-time positions. For those opting for per-diem work, such as game day coverage, the earnings can be enticing, with compensation from $200 to $500 per event. In industrial or occupational health settings, hourly rates typically range from $50 to $80, significantly increasing earning potential compared to traditional roles in secondary schools. However, athletic trainers often face a trade-off between higher hourly pay without benefits and lower pay with healthcare coverage. Negotiation strategies can focus on leveraging the growing demand for skilled professionals in Bellevue's sports and healthcare environments, making it essential to be informed about variations in pay according to employer type, which include schools, universities, and corporate health settings.
More salary data for Bellevue, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Bellevue in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Bellevue?
Are athletic trainers in Bellevue paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Bellevue?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Bellevue?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Bellevue. 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 Bellevue 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