Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Charleston, WV: $26.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Charleston, WV runs $26.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,714 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,428 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Charleston, WV, earn a median hourly rate of $26.79, which is considerably lower than the national median of $31.45. This difference signifies not just geographical pay disparities but also presents clear implications for professionals considering part-time opportunities or per-diem work. In typical environments such as high school training rooms, college facilities, and outpatient clinics, hourly earnings can fluctuate widely. Entry-level positions may start around $20.83, while experienced trainers, especially those in top-tier roles, could potentially reach $36.71. Such rates allow for varied work arrangements, fitting well into the schedules of those who prefer a part-time commitment or work on a per-event basis, which is common in this profession.
About the Charleston Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.83 | $166.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.53 | $188.25 |
| Median (P50) | $26.79 | $214.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.50 | $252.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.71 | $293.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $26.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.79/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, WV can expect to earn approximately $55,713 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,142. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,071.41 | $4,643 | $55,713 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $642.85 | $2,786 | $33,428 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $428.56 | $1,857 | $22,285 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Charleston) | $26.79 |
| 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 Charleston, WV earn a median of $55,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.83% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.50% below the West Virginia state average of $56,563.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.79/hr = $33,428/year (purchasing power: $38,645).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,713/year (purchasing power: $64,409).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Charleston grew 22.2% from $20.96/hr (2019) to $25.60/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.03/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
For athletic trainers working three days a week, a typical schedule of 24 hours translates to around $33,571 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts who earn a steady paycheck. Per-diem athletic trainers in Charleston often see game coverage rates between $200 and $500 per event, while those contracted for industrial settings can command hourly billing rates from $50 to $80. Coverage for special events like college bowl games could further enhance income, with stipends reaching $200 to $1,000. A diverse range of employment opportunities exists, from high schools to professional sports teams, and each employer type offers different pay structures. Many trainers opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, which can be a significant consideration. When negotiating pay, it is essential for hourly workers in Charleston to highlight their specialized skills and experience while remaining aware of the specific benefits offered by various employers.
More salary data for Charleston, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Charleston?
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How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Charleston?
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Related Pages
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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 Charleston. 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 Charleston 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