Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Lacey, WA: $33.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Lacey, WA runs $33.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,982 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Lacey's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,393 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Lacey, Washington, athletic trainers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $33.17 in 2026, which exceeds the national hourly median of $31.45. This competitive pay offers significant advantages for part-time and per-diem workers, particularly those in high school training rooms, college facilities, and other athletic environments. Entry-level positions start at about $26.53 per hour, ramping up to as much as $48.55 for experienced trainers, enabling them to benefit from a range of employment structures. For those working three days a week, this hourly pay translates into a stable income while maintaining flexibility, reflecting the growing demand for athletic trainers across various settings in Lacey, ranging from professional sports teams to industrial clinics.
About the Lacey 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) | $26.53 | $212.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.76 | $238.05 |
| Median (P50) | $33.17 | $265.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.70 | $309.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.55 | $388.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lacey
Based on $33.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.17/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lacey, WA can expect to earn approximately $68,989 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,801. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lacey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lacey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,326.71 | $5,749 | $68,989 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $796.03 | $3,449 | $41,393 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $530.68 | $2,300 | $27,596 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Lacey) | $33.17 |
| 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 Lacey, WA earn a median of $68,982 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.45% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.80% below the Washington state average of $70,246.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.17/hr = $41,393/year (purchasing power: $38,541).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,989/year (purchasing power: $64,235).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lacey grew 29.1% from $24.56/hr (2019) to $31.70/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.70/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 Lacey 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 Lacey
Many athletic trainers operating part-time in Lacey, working roughly 24 hours each week, could expect a take-home income of approximately $41,968 annually, which, while substantial, doesn’t match the earnings potential of full-time professionals. The per diem athletic trainer pay in Lacey showcases even higher possibilities, with coverage for events sometimes netting between $200 and $500 per game. In industrial settings such as those found at Toyota or Boeing, hourly rates can soar to between $50 and $80. While high school roles typically offer lower compensation, trainers in collegiate sports or professional teams often enjoy more lucrative options. This variability prompts some trainers to opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. For those negotiating in the Lacey job market, being aware of the specific employer type can provide leverage, whether advocating for higher rates or considering the value of comprehensive benefits in one's overall compensation package.
More salary data for Lacey, WA:
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 Lacey. 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 Lacey 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