Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Wheeling, IL: $29.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Wheeling, IL runs $29.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,004 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Wheeling's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,202 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheeling, Illinois, the estimated hourly rate for athletic trainers stands at $29.81, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $31.45. This hourly compensation can significantly benefit part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, typically clocking in around 24 hours. These professionals may find themselves in diverse environments such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and outpatient clinics. The hourly pay range for this occupation spans from $24.41 for entry-level positions to around $42.11 for experienced trainers, illustrating the potential for growth within the field. Since these hourly rates are derived from projected annual salaries, they reflect the economic conditions anticipated in 2026, emphasizing the evolving demand for athletic trainers across various sectors.
About the Wheeling 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) | $24.41 | $195.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.03 | $216.21 |
| Median (P50) | $29.81 | $238.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.89 | $287.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.11 | $336.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheeling
Based on $29.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.81/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheeling, IL can expect to earn approximately $62,003 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,771. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheeling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheeling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,192.36 | $5,167 | $62,003 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.42 | $3,100 | $37,202 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.95 | $2,067 | $24,801 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Wheeling) | $29.81 |
| 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 Wheeling, IL earn a median of $62,004 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.21% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.40% below the Illinois state average of $63,528.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.81/hr = $37,202/year (purchasing power: $38,313).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,003/year (purchasing power: $63,855).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Wheeling grew 29.1% from $22.07/hr (2019) to $28.49/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.19/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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling
Part-time athletic trainers in Wheeling, working 24 hours per week, could expect to take home approximately $37,377 annually. In contrast, full-time trainers working 40 hours weekly can look forward to earning around $62,004 annually. Furthermore, those pursuing per-diem roles can earn significantly more per event, with coverage rates ranging from $200 to $500 depending on the setting. Various employment avenues also yield differing hourly pay; for instance, industrial athletic trainers in environments like Toyota or Boeing may see rates of $50 to $80, while collegiate and professional sports teams tend to compensate lower yet offer benefits. Many athletic trainers must weigh the allure of higher hourly wages against the security of health insurance and retirement benefits. For negotiation, emphasizing your specialization and flexibility can pave the way for better offers tailored to the unique challenges of the Wheeling market.
More salary data for Wheeling, 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 Wheeling. 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 Wheeling 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