Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Columbus, GA: $30.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Columbus, GA runs $30.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,985 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,789 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, GA, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be $30.28 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate can be significant for professionals working in various settings such as high schools, colleges, industrial clinics, and military bases, particularly for those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities. For athletic trainers working three days per week, the compensation can vary widely, reflecting the range from entry-level roles starting at $22.56 to more experienced professionals earning as much as $44.64 per hour. Given the diverse environments in which athletic trainers operate, this hourly data illustrates the potential earnings depending on experience and the specific employer.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.56 | $180.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.09 | $208.76 |
| Median (P50) | $30.28 | $242.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.66 | $301.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.64 | $357.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $30.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.28/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, GA can expect to earn approximately $62,982 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,336. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,211.20 | $5,249 | $62,982 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $726.72 | $3,149 | $37,789 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $484.48 | $2,099 | $25,193 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Columbus) | $30.28 |
| 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 Columbus, GA earn a median of $62,985 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.71% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.90% above the Georgia state average of $62,423.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.28/hr = $37,789/year (purchasing power: $40,590).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,982/year (purchasing power: $67,650).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Columbus grew 29.1% from $22.42/hr (2019) to $28.94/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.68/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Exploring the dynamics of part-time and per-diem earnings reveals different realities for athletic trainers in the region. A part-time athletic trainer working a typical 24-hour week draws significantly less than their full-time counterparts but allows for flexible schedules. Per-diem athletic trainer pay in Columbus can fluctuate considerably, with game coverage rates typically ranging from $200 to $500 per event. Additionally, industrial settings may offer $50 to $80 an hour for contracted athletic trainers. College-level athletic trainers helping at bowl games or playoffs can also see stipends between $200 and $1,000. The type of employment influences hourly rates, with secondary schools often offering lower pay compared to NCAA institutions or industrial health roles, where compensation can be notably higher. Some athletic trainers may choose jobs with lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health coverage, a trade-off worth considering in negotiations. Aiming for higher hourly pay without benefits can be strategically pursued, especially considering the varying demands among employers in Columbus.
More salary data for Columbus, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Columbus in 2026?
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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