Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Bristol, CT: $33.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Bristol, CT runs $33.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,019 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,007 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly compensation for athletic trainers in Bristol, Connecticut, is projected to be $33.66, which is notably higher than the national average of $31.45. This robust hourly rate opens avenues for both part-time positions and per-diem work, which is commonly offered in settings like high school training rooms, collegiate athletic facilities, and professional sports teams. For those working three days a week, they can expect their hourly rate to fall within a range of $24.83 at entry-level positions to $48.75 for seasoned professionals. Such variation allows new athletic trainers to break into the field while also providing experienced trainers the opportunity to leverage their expertise for higher rates in demanding environments like military bases and industrial clinics. It’s important to remember that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the competitive nature of the job market in Bristol.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.83 | $198.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.61 | $244.92 |
| Median (P50) | $33.66 | $269.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.00 | $328.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.75 | $389.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $33.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.66/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, CT can expect to earn approximately $70,012 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,391. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,346.38 | $5,834 | $70,012 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $807.83 | $3,501 | $42,007 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $538.55 | $2,334 | $28,005 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Bristol) | $33.66 |
| 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 Bristol, CT earn a median of $70,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.04% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $70,584.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.66/hr = $42,007/year (purchasing power: $38,931).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,012/year (purchasing power: $64,886).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Bristol grew 29.1% from $24.93/hr (2019) to $32.17/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.22/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
Considering part-time athletics trainers working an average of 24 hours a week, their annual income could range significantly, potentially being lower than full-time counterparts. This reality becomes even more nuanced with per diem roles, where game coverage can yield between $200 and $500 per event. In industrial settings such as those offered by Toyota or FedEx, contractors may earn anywhere from $50 to $80 an hour, presenting a lucrative contrast to traditional roles in secondary schools or college athletics, which often pay less but come with benefits. Athletic trainers in Bristol may frequently find themselves weighing the trade-offs between higher hourly rates that lack job security and those positions that include comprehensive health insurance. For those negotiating salaries, understanding the pay scales across different employers is crucial. Whether in a professional or educational sports environment, knowing what others in the field earn can provide leverage in discussions about compensation.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Bristol?
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How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Bristol?
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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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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