Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Lafayette, LA: $29.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Lafayette, LA runs $29.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,328 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.2, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,398 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lafayette, Louisiana, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be $29.97 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45. This difference highlights the regional salary dynamics and could influence those considering a career in athletic training within the area. For part-time or per-diem athletic trainers working in settings like high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and outpatient clinics, this hourly rate translates to viable earnings while maintaining flexibility. The hourly range in Lafayette is expected to span from $23.79 for entry-level positions to roughly $38.40 for top earners, providing a pathway for gradual progression. Understanding these rates can be crucial for those entering the profession, particularly within the changing landscape shaped by the 2022 master's degree mandate. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.79 | $190.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.85 | $198.80 |
| Median (P50) | $29.97 | $239.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.32 | $250.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.40 | $307.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $29.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.97/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, LA can expect to earn approximately $62,329 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,959. With a cost-of-living index of 87.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,198.64 | $5,194 | $62,329 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $719.18 | $3,116 | $37,398 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.46 | $2,078 | $24,932 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Lafayette) | $29.97 |
| 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 Lafayette, LA earn a median of $62,328 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.72% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.70% below the Louisiana state average of $65,402.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.97/hr = $37,398/year (purchasing power: $42,883).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,329/year (purchasing power: $71,471).
CoL index: 87.209 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lafayette grew 29.1% from $22.19/hr (2019) to $28.64/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.35/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
When analyzing part-time earning potential for an athletic trainer working three days a week for a total of 24 hours, the annual take-home could be around $37,465. This contrasts sharply with full-time roles, which offer significantly higher annual salaries based on consistent hours. For those interested in more flexible arrangements, per-diem athletic trainer pay in Lafayette can vary widely, often ranging from $200 to $500 per event for game coverage. Industrial AT roles, particularly in factories or large employers like Toyota, may offer higher hourly rates between $50 and $80. Competing for positions at colleges or professional sports teams might lead to income fluctuations depending on the season. Furthermore, athletic trainers must weigh the benefits of lower hourly pay for full-time positions that offer health insurance against higher hourly wages without benefits. Those negotiating for hourly roles in Lafayette should consider the unique context of each employer, especially in the divide between traditional sports and emerging industrial settings, to optimize their compensation.
More salary data for Lafayette, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lafayette in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Lafayette?
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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 Lafayette. 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, 4-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