Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Puyallup, WA: $32.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Puyallup, WA runs $32.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,272 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Puyallup's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,362 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Puyallup, Washington, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at $32.34, placing it above the national median of $31.45. This competitive hourly rate is beneficial for those considering part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week in various environments like high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and industrial workplaces. Athletic trainers can earn anywhere from $26.46 at entry-level positions to $44.57 for top earners within the area. Given that these hourly estimates derive from projected annual salary data for 2026, many trainers in Puyallup find that these figures enable them to create sustainable work schedules, whether they seek stable part-time roles or more flexible per-diem assignments.
About the Puyallup 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) | $26.46 | $211.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.28 | $234.20 |
| Median (P50) | $32.34 | $258.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.88 | $311.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.57 | $356.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Puyallup
Based on $32.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.34/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Puyallup, WA can expect to earn approximately $67,270 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,809. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Puyallup.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Puyallup
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,293.65 | $5,606 | $67,270 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $776.19 | $3,363 | $40,362 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $517.46 | $2,242 | $26,908 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Puyallup) | $32.34 |
| 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 Puyallup, WA earn a median of $67,272 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.84% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 4.20% below the Washington state average of $70,221.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.34/hr = $40,362/year (purchasing power: $37,581).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,270/year (purchasing power: $62,635).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Puyallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Puyallup grew 29.1% from $23.95/hr (2019) to $30.91/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.84/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 Puyallup 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 Puyallup
When evaluating part-time earning potential, athletic trainers working a typical three-day week (approximately 24 hours) may take home about $49,633 annually, a figure that reflects a significant contrast compared to full-time trainers earning a median pay of $67,272. Moreover, per diem work presents unique financial dynamics; per diem coverage for events may range from $200 to $500, while industrial clients might pay between $50 and $80 per hour. Hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the employer type in Puyallup; trainers in high school settings often earn less than those engaged with professional sports teams or industrial health services. Many trainers accept lower hourly rates for the benefits that come with traditional employment, such as health insurance, which may offset higher hourly pay options without benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay in Puyallup, it’s advisable to conduct thorough research on regional standards and employer types to enhance earning potential effectively.
More salary data for Puyallup, 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 Puyallup. 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 Puyallup 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