Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Covington, KY: $27.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Covington, KY runs $27.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,640 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Covington's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,590 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Covington, KY, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $27.72 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45. This discrepancy suggests that part-time and per diem roles may present financial challenges for trainers who primarily work in settings like high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and outpatient clinics, where hours might be limited. For those working three days a week, the hourly earnings can vary from $21.76 at the entry level to about $37.05 for top earners. Given that hourly rates are often derived from annual salary data, these numbers highlight the importance of understanding the local market when negotiating pay.
About the Covington Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.76 | $174.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.41 | $195.28 |
| Median (P50) | $27.72 | $221.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.11 | $256.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.05 | $296.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Covington
Based on $27.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.72/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Covington, KY can expect to earn approximately $57,650 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,260. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Covington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Covington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,108.66 | $4,804 | $57,650 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $665.20 | $2,883 | $34,590 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $443.46 | $1,922 | $23,060 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Covington) | $27.72 |
| 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 Covington, KY earn a median of $57,640 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.30% below the Kentucky state average of $58,399.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.72/hr = $34,590/year (purchasing power: $38,735).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,650/year (purchasing power: $64,558).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Covington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Covington grew 29.1% from $20.52/hr (2019) to $26.49/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.00/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 Covington 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 Covington
Earning potential as a part-time athletic trainer is significant yet varies depending on employment settings. A trainer putting in 24 hours a week could take home a substantially lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts, emphasizing the value of maximizing available hours or seeking additional roles. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Covington can be enticing; coverage for games typically nets between $200 and $500 per event. In industrial settings like those with Toyota or FedEx, trainers may earn $50 to $80 per hour, contrasting with lower rates in school-based positions. Some trainers opt for lower hourly wages for the benefits, as facilities providing health insurance may lure individuals despite the pay cut. When negotiating, understanding the specific dynamics of Covington’s job market can lead to better outcomes in terms of both hourly pay and overall compensation packages.
More salary data for Covington, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 Covington. 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 Covington 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