Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Decatur, AL: $25.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Decatur, AL runs $25.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,485 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,495 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Decatur, Alabama, the typical athletic trainer earns a median hourly rate of $25.24, which is significantly lower than the national median of $31.45. This rate reflects the local market dynamics and cost of living, which is below the national average. For those working part-time, such as three days a week in high school athletic training rooms or college facilities, this translates to a practical income, making it feasible to balance work and other commitments. The hourly wage range in Decatur for athletic trainers extends from $18.99 for entry-level positions to $35.44 for the most experienced, indicating various opportunities based on skills and settings, including positions in industrial clinics or military bases.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.99 | $151.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.73 | $173.85 |
| Median (P50) | $25.24 | $201.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.06 | $240.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.44 | $283.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $25.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.24/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, AL can expect to earn approximately $52,492 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,284. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,009.47 | $4,374 | $52,492 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $605.68 | $2,625 | $31,495 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $403.79 | $1,750 | $20,997 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Decatur) | $25.24 |
| 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 Decatur, AL earn a median of $52,485 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.77% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.20% above the Alabama state average of $52,380.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.24/hr = $31,495/year (purchasing power: $35,831).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,492/year (purchasing power: $59,718).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Decatur grew 29.1% from $18.69/hr (2019) to $24.12/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.41/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 Decatur 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 Decatur
Exploring the financial aspects in more detail, a part-time athletic trainer working 24 hours a week, at the median hourly rate, would take home approximately $31,781 annually, which is a substantial difference from full-time earnings. For those opting for per diem roles, coverage for events typically yields between $200 and $500 per event, while industrial settings can provide billing rates of $50 to $80 per hour, depending on the employer. Varied compensation is evident across different work environments in Decatur, with secondary schools generally paying less than college programs or professional sports teams. Some athletic trainers may choose lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance that full-time roles often provide. When negotiating pay, it’s crucial to weigh the hourly compensation against the potential lack of benefits, ensuring that the total package aligns with personal financial needs.
More salary data for Decatur, AL:
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 Decatur. 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 Decatur 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