Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Louisville, KY: $30.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Louisville, KY runs $30.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,686 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Louisville's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,207 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Louisville, Kentucky, athletic trainers earn a median hourly pay of $30.61, which is slightly below the national median of $31.45. This hourly wage reflects the compensation expected for a range of roles within various environments, such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional sports team training rooms. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, this rate can translate to a steady income in a field that typically requires flexibility to accommodate events and client needs. Entry-level positions start at approximately $21.83 per hour, and experience can lead to hourly rates around $44.99, showing a clear pathway for financial growth within the profession. These figures are estimated from annual salary data, providing insights into what a career in athletic training can offer.
About the Louisville 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) | $21.83 | $174.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.64 | $205.16 |
| Median (P50) | $30.61 | $244.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.28 | $298.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.99 | $359.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville
Based on $30.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.61/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville, KY can expect to earn approximately $63,679 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,738. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Louisville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,224.59 | $5,307 | $63,679 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $734.75 | $3,184 | $38,207 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $489.84 | $2,123 | $25,471 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Louisville) | $30.61 |
| 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 Louisville, KY earn a median of $63,686 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.64% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 9.00% above the Kentucky state average of $58,428.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.61/hr = $38,207/year (purchasing power: $42,785).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,679/year (purchasing power: $71,309).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Louisville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Louisville grew 29.1% from $22.67/hr (2019) to $29.26/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.03/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 Louisville 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 Louisville
Considering part-time arrangements, an athletic trainer working 24 hours a week could take home about $38,285 annually, which is significantly lower than the full-time median potential. For those exploring per diem opportunities, compensation can vary widely; per diem athletic trainer pay in Louisville ranges from $200 to $500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers can earn between $50 and $80 per hour when working for large employers like Toyota or Boeing. The rate can also fluctuate depending on the setting—high school positions often pay less compared to collegiate or professional roles. With the new educational requirements since 2022 mandating a master's degree, many trainers may choose flexibility over benefits, finding that lower hourly rates can sometimes include health insurance packages. When negotiating their hourly rate, trainers in Louisville should consider not only monetary compensation but also long-term benefits, seeking the best balance for their individual careers.
More salary data for Louisville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Louisville in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Louisville?
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Related Pages
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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 Louisville. 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 Louisville 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