Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Gadsden, AL: $24.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Gadsden, AL runs $24.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,685 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Gadsden's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,412 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gadsden, Alabama, an athletic trainer earns a median hourly pay of $24.37, significantly below the national median of $31.45. This disparity influences not only full-time roles but also part-time and per-diem opportunities. For athletic trainers working part-time, typically around three days a week, the earnings can be reasonably expected to cover basic living expenses, yet they could miss out on comprehensive benefits that come with full-time employment. Per-diem athletic trainer pay in Gadsden reflects varying dynamics depending on the employer. The hourly wage ranges anywhere from $20.35, typically for entry-level positions, to $34.07 for experienced professionals in high-demand settings like high schools or college facilities.
About the Gadsden 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) | $20.35 | $162.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.37 | $178.96 |
| Median (P50) | $24.37 | $194.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.07 | $232.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.07 | $272.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gadsden
Based on $24.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.37/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gadsden, AL can expect to earn approximately $50,686 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,242. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gadsden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gadsden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $974.73 | $4,224 | $50,686 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $584.84 | $2,534 | $30,412 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $389.89 | $1,690 | $20,274 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Gadsden) | $24.37 |
| 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 Gadsden, AL earn a median of $50,685 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.52% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.30% below the Alabama state average of $52,415.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.37/hr = $30,412/year (purchasing power: $34,598).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,686/year (purchasing power: $57,663).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Gadsden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Gadsden grew 29.1% from $18.04/hr (2019) to $23.29/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.50/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 Gadsden 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 Gadsden
For athletic trainers who opt to work part-time or in per-diem arrangements, the financial implications can be quite distinct. A part-time athletic trainer working 24 hours a week would expect to take home about $28,747 annually, a figure that showcases the challenge of relying solely on this income stream. On the other hand, per-diem and agency roles can significantly bolster earnings; for example, per diem game coverage often pays between $200 and $500 per event, representing a lucrative option for those who can land these assignments. It's common for athletic trainers in Gadsden to see hourly disparities based on employer type—with industrial settings potentially offering notably higher rates compared to traditional athletic training roles in secondary schools or outpatient clinics. While some trainers might prefer the higher hourly pay that comes with contract work, they often weigh this against missing benefits like health insurance in full-time positions. For those negotiating salaries, understanding the unique market in Gadsden can lead to better outcomes, especially in industries like occupational health, where pay rates might favor skilled athletic trainers.
More salary data for Gadsden, 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 Gadsden. 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 Gadsden 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