Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Baltimore, MD: $31.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Baltimore, MD runs $31.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,457 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Baltimore's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,278 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Athletic trainers in Baltimore, Maryland, earn a median hourly pay of $31.47, closely aligning with the national median of $31.45. This competitive wage allows for considerable flexibility, especially for part-time workers and those seeking per-diem opportunities within various settings such as high schools, colleges, and professional sports teams. Entry-level trainers can expect to earn approximately $22.56 per hour, while highly experienced professionals may command rates as high as $44.60. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect a crucial economic footing for individuals pursuing careers in athletic training in MD, amid the increasing demand for skilled trainers in diverse environments, from military bases to outpatient clinics.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.56 | $180.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.14 | $209.09 |
| Median (P50) | $31.47 | $251.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.25 | $290.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.60 | $356.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Baltimore
Based on $31.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.47/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Baltimore, MD can expect to earn approximately $65,463 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,767. With a cost-of-living index of 104.49 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Baltimore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Baltimore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,258.91 | $5,455 | $65,463 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $755.34 | $3,273 | $39,278 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $503.56 | $2,182 | $26,185 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Baltimore) | $31.47 |
| 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 Baltimore, MD earn a median of $65,457 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 8.40% below the Maryland state average of $71,459.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.47/hr = $39,278/year (purchasing power: $37,591).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,463/year (purchasing power: $62,652).
CoL index: 104.487 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Baltimore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Baltimore grew 23.0% from $24.46/hr (2019) to $30.08/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.93/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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore
For part-time trainers working three days a week, the financial outlook can vary significantly compared to those engaging in full-time roles. Assuming a schedule of 24 hours per week, a part-time athletic trainer might take home an annual income near $39,457, a figure that illustrates the trade-off between hours worked and job stability. Meanwhile, per diem athletic trainer pay in Baltimore can be lucrative, with event coverage ranging from $200 to $500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers may charge between $50 and $80 per hour for contract work. These roles differ drastically from those in educational settings, where compensation tends to be lower. For trainers seeking full-time or per-diem roles, negotiating hourly rates is key; trainers should consider the benefits package and potential salary differences across employer types, whether in high school athletics, NCAA institutions, or industries such as aerospace and shipping, where hourly rates may be more favorable. Understanding these dynamics can enhance earning potential and career satisfaction.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Baltimore in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Baltimore?
Are athletic trainers in Baltimore paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Baltimore?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Baltimore?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 Baltimore. 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