Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Aurora, IL: $30.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Aurora, IL runs $30.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,724 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,633 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Illinois, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be around $30.15 in 2026, slightly lower than the national average of $31.45. This rate reflects the compensation for various work settings, including high schools, college facilities, professional sports team training rooms, and outpatient clinics. For part-time or per-diem positions, like those working three days a week, this hourly wage provides a substantial but variable income since hours and event coverage can fluctuate significantly. The hourly pay for entry-level athletic trainers starts around $23.02, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $43.12, giving a broad spectrum of earning potential relative to experience and specialization.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.02 | $184.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.63 | $205.07 |
| Median (P50) | $30.15 | $241.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.16 | $289.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.12 | $344.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $30.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.15/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, IL can expect to earn approximately $62,721 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,185. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,206.17 | $5,227 | $62,721 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $723.70 | $3,136 | $37,633 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.47 | $2,091 | $25,088 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Aurora) | $30.15 |
| 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 Aurora, IL earn a median of $62,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.11% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $63,550.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.15/hr = $37,633/year (purchasing power: $38,757).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,721/year (purchasing power: $64,594).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Aurora grew 29.1% from $22.33/hr (2019) to $28.82/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.55/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 Aurora 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 Aurora
When examining part-time opportunities, a 24-hour week for an athletic trainer would yield an annual take-home pay significantly lower than that of full-time practitioners. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Aurora often ranges widely; coverage for school events or games might pay between $200 and $500 per occurrence, while contractors in industrial settings may see rates between $50 and $80 per hour. Athletic trainers employed at the collegiate or professional level might earn stipends between $200 and $1,000 for special events, especially during college bowl games or playoff contests. Each employment type brings its own trade-offs; while secondary schools may pay less hourly compared to industrial or professional roles, the latter often lack benefits like health insurance. This leads many to carefully assess their options, weighing hourly rates against overall job benefits and security. Practical negotiation tips would include starting salary discussions based on regional data and gauging industry standards specific to Aurora and IL to secure an equitable hourly rate.
More salary data for Aurora, IL:
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 Aurora. 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 Aurora 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