Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Wichita, KS: $29.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Wichita, KS runs $29.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,696 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Wichita's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,418 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wichita, Kansas, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $29.18, which is lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.45. This distinction may influence choices for part-time or per-diem positions, which are common within settings such as high schools, colleges, and professional sports teams. For those working three days a week, this pay translates to potential earnings that adapt to various work schedules. Entry-level trainers may start at around $23.13 an hour, while seasoned professionals at the top of the scale can take home up to $35.54 per hour. These figures, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, reflect the competitive dynamics within the athletic training field in Wichita.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.13 | $185.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.06 | $192.52 |
| Median (P50) | $29.18 | $233.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.12 | $248.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.54 | $284.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wichita
Based on $29.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.18/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wichita, KS can expect to earn approximately $60,697 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,018. With a cost-of-living index of 88.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wichita.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wichita
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,167.25 | $5,058 | $60,697 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $700.35 | $3,035 | $36,418 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $466.90 | $2,023 | $24,279 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Wichita) | $29.18 |
| 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 Wichita, KS earn a median of $60,696 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.21% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.10% above the Kansas state average of $59,447.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.18/hr = $36,418/year (purchasing power: $40,944).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,697/year (purchasing power: $68,240).
CoL index: 88.946 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Wichita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Wichita grew 21.0% from $23.04/hr (2019) to $27.89/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.53/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 Wichita 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 Wichita
Evaluating the earning potential of athletic trainers in Wichita further reveals intriguing possibilities. A part-time athletic trainer working 24 hours a week could realistically expect to earn around $45,557 annually, considerably less than their full-time counterparts, highlighting the trade-offs that accompany flexible work arrangements. Moreover, per diem athletic trainer pay can significantly vary; for example, event coverage may attract $200 to $500 for a single game, while contracted industrial roles might offer higher billing rates ranging from $50 to $80 per hour in larger facilities. Athletic trainer hourly pay in Wichita fluctuates based on employer type; for instance, positions in industrial health settings often provide better compensation compared to roles in secondary education. It's crucial for trainers to consider the benefits associated with certain job offers, as some lower-paying positions might include health insurance, while higher-paying roles may not. For anyone negotiating their hourly rate in Wichita, knowing the local market and valuing specific benefits can lead to smarter career decisions.
More salary data for Wichita, 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 Wichita. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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