Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Appleton, WI: $29.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Appleton, WI runs $29.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,387 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Appleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,235 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Appleton, Wisconsin, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $29.03, which falls short of the national median of $31.45. This hourly rate impacts various work arrangements, especially for athletic trainers working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, those working three days a week will earn a stable income while balancing other commitments, making the role accessible for individuals looking to supplement their income. Per-diem workers find a range of opportunities across settings such as high schools, college athletic facilities, and even industrial workplaces. Additionally, the hourly pay spans a wide range: entry-level positions start around $21.24, while experienced trainers can earn up to $40.05, reflecting the varying demands and responsibilities based on the specific context of employment.
About the Appleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.24 | $169.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.27 | $210.18 |
| Median (P50) | $29.03 | $232.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.09 | $272.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.05 | $320.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Appleton
Based on $29.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.03/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Appleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $60,392 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,842. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Appleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Appleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,161.39 | $5,033 | $60,392 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $696.84 | $3,020 | $36,235 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $464.56 | $2,013 | $24,157 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Appleton) | $29.03 |
| 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 Appleton, WI earn a median of $60,387 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.69% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,121.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.03/hr = $36,235/year (purchasing power: $38,796).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,392/year (purchasing power: $64,660).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+75.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Appleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Appleton grew 60.2% from $17.32/hr (2019) to $27.75/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.38/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 Appleton 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 Appleton
Shifting focus to part-time earning potential, athletic trainers in Appleton who work a standard part-time schedule of 24 hours per week will bring home approximately $36,177 per year, a fraction of what full-time trainers earn. In the realm of per-diem work, which is commonplace for many in the field, compensation varies widely; per diem game coverage offers pay between $200 and $500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers can command $50 to $80 an hour. College events such as bowl games often provide additional stipends from $200 to $1,000, reflecting the competitive landscape. Different employment settings can significantly influence hourly wages, with industrial health roles typically paying more than positions in secondary schools or outpatient clinics. Some trainers may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, highlighting the trade-offs involved in choosing between security and higher pay. For those negotiating their hourly contracts in Appleton, it's advisable to emphasize relevant qualifications and expertise to secure better terms that reflect their skills in this evolving field.
More salary data for Appleton, WI:
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 Appleton. 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 Appleton 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