Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Urbana, IL: $32.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Urbana, IL runs $32.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,179 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Urbana's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,910 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Athletic trainers in Urbana, Illinois, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $32.78, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This competitive wage offers a solid foundation for both part-time professionals, often working three days a week, and those seeking per diem opportunities in various settings, such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and outpatient clinics. The hourly rate spans a range from $27.32 for entry-level positions up to $45.75 for experienced trainers. These figures, derived from annual salary data, highlight that athletic trainer hourly pay in Urbana sits well above the national average, suggesting a robust market for this profession in the region.
About the Urbana 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) | $27.32 | $218.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.04 | $240.31 |
| Median (P50) | $32.78 | $262.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.06 | $312.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.75 | $366.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Urbana
Based on $32.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.78/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Urbana, IL can expect to earn approximately $68,184 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,337. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Urbana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Urbana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,311.22 | $5,682 | $68,184 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $786.73 | $3,409 | $40,910 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $524.49 | $2,273 | $27,273 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Urbana) | $32.78 |
| 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 Urbana, IL earn a median of $68,179 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.23% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 7.30% above the Illinois state average of $63,541.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.78/hr = $40,910/year (purchasing power: $42,132).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,184/year (purchasing power: $70,220).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Urbana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Urbana grew 29.1% from $24.27/hr (2019) to $31.33/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.30/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 Urbana 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 Urbana
For part-time athletic trainers working 24 hours a week, the financial outlook varies significantly when compared to full-time employment. While a full-time trainer may enjoy a more stable income, part-time trainers can still find lucrative possibilities, especially in per diem and agency roles where game coverage often pays between $200 and $500 per event. This can lead to considerable earnings for those taking on multiple assignments. The range of hourly pay also differs greatly among employer types; secondary schools generally pay less than industrial settings, which might offer $50 to $80 per hour. Many busy professionals are confronted with the decision between higher pay without benefits or lower pay with health insurance. In this context, effective negotiation strategies can enhance hourly compensation, particularly in a market like Urbana. Understanding the local dynamics of athletic trainer hourly rate IL enables trainers to maximize their earnings potential while balancing work-life commitments.
More salary data for Urbana, 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 Urbana. 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 Urbana 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