Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Tukwila, WA: $31.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Tukwila, WA runs $31.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,938 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Tukwila's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,965 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Athletic trainers in Tukwila, Washington, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $31.22, which is slightly below the national median of $31.45. This hourly compensation offers a viable earning path for both part-time and per-diem workers. For those working three days a week, it provides a dependable income while allowing flexibility in their schedules. The hourly wage for athletic trainers in the area ranges from $26.16 at entry-level positions to $41.46 for top earners, reflecting the diverse experience levels and settings in which athletic trainers operate. These diverse settings include high school training rooms, collegiate athletics facilities, and industrial workplace clinics. It is essential to recognize that these hourly rates are derived from comprehensive estimates based on annual salary data, providing a snapshot of the earning potential within this profession in Tukwila.
About the Tukwila 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) | $26.16 | $209.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.86 | $222.90 |
| Median (P50) | $31.22 | $249.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.15 | $289.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.46 | $331.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tukwila
Based on $31.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.22/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tukwila, WA can expect to earn approximately $64,941 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,466. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tukwila.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tukwila
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,248.86 | $5,412 | $64,941 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $749.32 | $3,247 | $38,965 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $499.55 | $2,165 | $25,976 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Tukwila) | $31.22 |
| 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 Tukwila, WA earn a median of $64,938 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.73% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $70,279.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.22/hr = $38,965/year (purchasing power: $36,280).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,941/year (purchasing power: $60,466).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Tukwila grew 29.1% from $23.12/hr (2019) to $29.84/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.67/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 Tukwila 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 Tukwila
Analyzing the financial landscape for athletic trainers reveals interesting options for part-time and per-diem positions. A trainer working 24 hours per week could earn around $48,000 annually, a competitive income compared to full-time positions. Per-diem roles, particularly for game coverage, can provide extra financial opportunities, with rates typically ranging from $200 to $500 per event, depending on the level of the competition. Additionally, industrial settings such as factories might offer rates between $50 and $80 per hour due to specialized needs. It's noteworthy that hourly rates can vary greatly depending on the employer type, ranging from secondary schools to prominent NCAA institutions and even professional sports teams. Some athletic trainers choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, whereas others may prefer the flexibility of higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiating hourly pay effectively often hinges on market knowledge and an understanding of specific employer needs in Tukwila.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Tukwila in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Tukwila?
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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 Tukwila. 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 Tukwila 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