Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Opelika, AL: $30.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Opelika, AL runs $30.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,978 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Opelika's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,390 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Opelika, Alabama, can expect an hourly pay rate that averages around $30.76, slightly below the national median of $31.45. This rate presents various earning potentials, particularly for those working part-time or per diem in settings such as high schools, colleges, and outpatient clinics. For a part-time athletic trainer working three days a week, typically putting in around 24 hours, this hourly rate translates to a respectable income, while the range spans from $25.57 for entry-level positions to as much as $42.83 for top earners—offering a financial incentive across skill levels. Given the master’s degree requirement for new trainers after 2022, those entering Opelika’s workforce should keep this pay scale in mind as they explore their opportunities within the region.
About the Opelika 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) | $25.57 | $204.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.17 | $225.33 |
| Median (P50) | $30.76 | $246.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.65 | $293.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.83 | $342.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Opelika
Based on $30.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.76/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Opelika, AL can expect to earn approximately $63,983 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,913. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Opelika.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Opelika
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,230.45 | $5,332 | $63,983 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $738.27 | $3,199 | $38,390 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.18 | $2,133 | $25,593 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Opelika) | $30.76 |
| 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 Opelika, AL earn a median of $63,978 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.20% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 22.10% above the Alabama state average of $52,398.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.76/hr = $38,390/year (purchasing power: $43,675).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,983/year (purchasing power: $72,791).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Opelika grew 29.1% from $22.78/hr (2019) to $29.40/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.19/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 Opelika 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 Opelika
Exploring the earning landscape further reveals intriguing insights into the part-time income potential and per diem dynamics in Opelika. A trainer committing to 24 hours each week, given the median hourly rate, would find their annual take-home hovering around $38,000, significantly less than full-time trainers but still competitive for part-time roles. For those pursuing per diem positions, the pay can be enticing; game coverage rates typically range from $200 to $500 per event, and industrial contractors may bill up to $80 an hour at larger facilities. Variance in hourly rates occurs across different employer types. High school positions generally offer less compared to NCAA universities or professional settings, where athletic trainers often earn higher compensation. Many trainers must consider health benefits versus hourly rates in negotiations, opting for stability when necessary. Those seeking hourly positions in Opelika should research the specific environments they’re drawn to, as rates can vary considerably influenced by the employer type.
More salary data for Opelika, 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 Opelika. 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 Opelika 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