Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Kansas City, KS: $32.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Kansas City, KS runs $32.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,788 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Kansas City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,074 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kansas City, Kansas, athletic trainers can expect a median hourly pay of $32.11, slightly above the national median of $31.45. This favorable hourly rate is especially relevant for part-time or per-diem workers, who often find roles in environments such as high schools, collegiate athletic programs, professional sports teams, or even industrial clinics. With an hourly range that starts at $23.44 for entry-level positions and goes up to $45.71 for the highest earners, this flexibility allows trainers to navigate diverse job opportunities. Such settings, while varied, contribute to a dynamic work experience that balances both sports and healthcare elements within the region.
About the Kansas City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.44 | $187.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.17 | $217.38 |
| Median (P50) | $32.11 | $256.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.39 | $307.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.71 | $365.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kansas City
Based on $32.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.11/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kansas City, KS can expect to earn approximately $66,791 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,533. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kansas City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kansas City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,284.44 | $5,566 | $66,791 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $770.66 | $3,340 | $40,074 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $513.78 | $2,226 | $26,716 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Kansas City) | $32.11 |
| 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 Kansas City, KS earn a median of $66,788 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.10% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 12.30% above the Kansas state average of $59,473.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.11/hr = $40,074/year (purchasing power: $44,086).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,791/year (purchasing power: $73,477).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Kansas City grew 29.1% from $23.78/hr (2019) to $30.69/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.60/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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City
Considering part-time employment, an athletic trainer working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could see a significant difference in annual earnings compared to full-time counterparts. For per-diem athletic trainers, event coverage can provide substantial supplemental income, with payouts ranging from $200 to $500 for each event. In industrial or occupational health settings, hourly rates can be even more lucrative, offering between $50 and $80 per hour. Often, the decision of whether to accept a position is influenced by benefits; those willing to trade lower hourly wages for health insurance may find greater job stability. Understanding the variability in pay based on employer type—such as secondary schools, colleges, or professional franchises—can help aspiring athletic trainers in Kansas City assess their career paths. Effective negotiation strategies in this context should focus on leveraging the competitive landscape of the field, especially given the increasing demand for professionals with a master's degree following the 2022 transition.
More salary data for Kansas City, KS:
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 Kansas City. 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 Kansas City 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