Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Wisconsin Rapids, WI: $26.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Wisconsin Rapids, WI runs $26.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,019 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Wisconsin Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,611 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wisconsin Rapids, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at $26.93, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $31.45. This pay is indicative of the broader salary landscape within the field, where entry-level positions generally start at around $22.20 an hour, reaching up to $35.38 for experienced professionals. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, this rate allows for considerable income, particularly when considering typical settings like high schools, colleges, and various clinics. Per-diem opportunities provide additional flexibility, further enhancing earnings potential in this field. Given the projected hourly rates, athletic trainers in Wisconsin Rapids must strategize around their schedules and employment types, as these factors directly influence their take-home pay.
About the Wisconsin Rapids 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) | $22.20 | $177.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.77 | $190.18 |
| Median (P50) | $26.93 | $215.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.93 | $247.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.38 | $283.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wisconsin Rapids
Based on $26.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.93/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wisconsin Rapids, WI can expect to earn approximately $56,018 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,318. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wisconsin Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wisconsin Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,077.27 | $4,668 | $56,018 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $646.36 | $2,801 | $33,611 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $430.91 | $1,867 | $22,407 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Wisconsin Rapids) | $26.93 |
| 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 Wisconsin Rapids, WI earn a median of $56,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.36% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 8.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,089.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.93/hr = $33,611/year (purchasing power: $35,986).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,018/year (purchasing power: $59,977).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Wisconsin Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Wisconsin Rapids grew 29.1% from $19.94/hr (2019) to $25.74/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.18/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 Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids
Examining the earning potential for part-time athletic trainers illustrates an interesting picture. A part-time schedule of about 24 hours a week could yield approximately $33,661 annually, contrasting sharply with the full-time average earnings which could approach $56,019. In addition, per diem roles can drive earnings significantly higher; for example, game coverage can command $200 to $500 per event, while occupational contracts in industrial settings can fetch between $50 and $80 per hour. Employers such as secondary schools, NCAA institutions, and even professional sports teams each offer varied hourly rates, often reflecting the responsibility levels and required expertise. Some athletic trainers may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for health benefits within established organizations, weighing these options carefully. Tips for negotiating hourly rates in Wisconsin Rapids include researching industry standards, openly discussing responsibilities, and leveraging specialized credentials to secure better pay as the field aligns itself with the master's level transition mandated in 2022.
More salary data for Wisconsin Rapids, 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 Wisconsin Rapids. 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 Wisconsin Rapids 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