Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Gary, IN: $31.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Gary, IN runs $31.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,389 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Gary's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,839 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer hourly pay in Gary, Indiana, stands at $31.92, outpacing the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate reflects the diverse settings where athletic trainers operate, such as high schools, collegiate athletic programs, and professional sports teams. For those in part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this translates to a substantial earning potential without the commitment of full-time hours. The hourly pay range in Gary can vary significantly, from entry-level trainers at $24.02 to seasoned professionals earning as much as $46.81 per hour. It's important to note that these figures are estimates derived from the annual salary data, highlighting a career path that offers competitive compensation and flexibility, especially for per-diem roles across various environments including outpatient clinics and military bases.
About the Gary Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.02 | $192.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.48 | $219.81 |
| Median (P50) | $31.92 | $255.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.32 | $298.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.81 | $374.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gary
Based on $31.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.92/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gary, IN can expect to earn approximately $66,399 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,307. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,276.90 | $5,533 | $66,399 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $766.14 | $3,320 | $39,839 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.76 | $2,213 | $26,560 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Gary) | $31.92 |
| 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 Gary, IN earn a median of $66,389 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.49% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.10% above the Indiana state average of $66,322.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.92/hr = $39,839/year (purchasing power: $43,636).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,399/year (purchasing power: $72,726).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Gary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Gary grew 29.1% from $23.64/hr (2019) to $30.51/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.40/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 Gary 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 Gary
Analyzing the financial implications for part-time athletic trainers reveals interesting insights. Those working 24 hours a week might expect an annual income that falls short of what their full-time counterparts make, yet still remains competitive. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Gary can be lucrative; events may offer $200 to $500 per coverage, while industrial settings, such as at facilities for Toyota or Boeing, typically see rates of $50 to $80 per hour. The variation in hourly rates across different employer types is notable, with educational institutions often providing lower pay but stable health benefits compared to interim contracts that pay higher rates without benefits. Sports performance roles in collegiate or professional settings usually offer higher remuneration on a per-event basis, making them attractive for those negotiating compensation. For athletic trainers in Gary, understanding their worth and being prepared to advocate for higher hourly rates — especially when opting for roles without fringe benefits — can lead to better financial outcomes in this evolving profession.
More salary data for Gary, IN:
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 Gary. 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 Gary 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