Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Richland, WA: $34.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Richland, WA runs $34.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,002 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Richland's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,608 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richland, Washington, the athletic trainer hourly rate stands at $34.14, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $31.45 by a notable margin. This competitive pay reflects the increasing demand for skilled professionals in settings like high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and industrial workplaces. The hourly pay for athletic trainers varies, with an entry-level position earning around $26.20 per hour and top earners making up to $47.29. For part-time workers who might only clock in around three days a week, the pay remains attractive and allows flexibility while contributing to their professional experience. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and may vary based on specific job responsibilities and local economic conditions.
About the Richland 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) | $26.20 | $209.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.77 | $238.14 |
| Median (P50) | $34.14 | $273.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.30 | $322.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.29 | $378.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richland
Based on $34.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.14/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richland, WA can expect to earn approximately $71,013 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,969. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,365.63 | $5,918 | $71,013 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $819.38 | $3,551 | $42,608 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $546.25 | $2,367 | $28,405 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Richland) | $34.14 |
| 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 Richland, WA earn a median of $71,002 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.54% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.10% above the Washington state average of $70,229.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.14/hr = $42,608/year (purchasing power: $39,672).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,013/year (purchasing power: $66,120).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Richland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Richland grew 29.1% from $25.28/hr (2019) to $32.63/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.72/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 Richland 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 Richland
For those considering part-time opportunities, working as a per diem athletic trainer in Richland can be financially rewarding. Athletic trainers selecting this path may earn between $200 and $500 per event for game coverage, while industrial settings typically pay between $50 and $80 per hour. In comparison, athletic trainers at institutions like colleges and universities might receive additional stipends when covering events such as bowl games or playoffs, which can range from $200 to $1,000. However, competition for higher hourly wages often comes at the cost of benefits, leading some trainers to prefer lower rates with health insurance. When negotiating offers, especially in different environments like secondary schools or occupational health, it’s essential to weigh the value of benefits against hourly pay. Understanding the nuances of athletic trainer hourly pay in Richland—and knowing the variations across different employer types—can significantly influence career decisions and long-term satisfaction in this crucial healthcare profession.
More salary data for Richland, 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 Richland. 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 Richland 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