Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Gulfport, MS: $22.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Gulfport, MS runs $22.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,214 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Gulfport's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,322 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gulfport, Mississippi, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $22.69, which falls significantly below the national median of $31.45. This disparity indicates that those working in entry-level roles or part-time positions—such as in high school training rooms or college athletic facilities—may find their earnings limited. With the hourly pay range spanning from $16.80 for entry-level positions to $33.12 for more experienced trainers, there are opportunities for advancement, but the lower rates may discourage prospective trainers from entering the field. For those who pursue part-time work, such as covering games three days a week, the financial returns can be modest. Similarly, per-diem environments like outpatient clinics and military bases provide flexible but variable earning options for athletic trainers in Gulfport, often relying on event-based compensation.
About the Gulfport Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.80 | $134.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.40 | $155.19 |
| Median (P50) | $22.69 | $181.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.87 | $214.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.12 | $264.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gulfport
Based on $22.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.69/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gulfport, MS can expect to earn approximately $47,204 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,233. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gulfport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gulfport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $907.77 | $3,934 | $47,204 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $544.66 | $2,360 | $28,322 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $363.11 | $1,573 | $18,882 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Gulfport) | $22.69 |
| 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 Gulfport, MS earn a median of $47,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.82% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.40% below the Mississippi state average of $47,404.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.69/hr = $28,322/year (purchasing power: $33,048).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,204/year (purchasing power: $55,081).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Gulfport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Gulfport grew 29.1% from $16.81/hr (2019) to $21.69/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.74/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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport
Beyond the fundamental numbers, part-time athletic trainers working a schedule of three days a week may earn around $17,059 over an entire year, which is considerably less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem roles present a different scenario, with pay rates that can vary widely—ranging from $200 to $500 per event for game coverage and potentially $50 to $80 per hour in industrial settings. Employers such as Toyota, Boeing, and other industrial firms often offer higher rates compared to secondary schools or colleges, creating a pay gap in the athletic trainer hourly rate in MS. This variability leads some workers to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits, highlighting the ongoing trade-off in the industry. For trainers in Gulfport considering their compensation, knowing how to negotiate effectively—focusing on the differences in benefits and seeking opportunities in higher-paying sectors—can impact their overall career satisfaction and financial well-being.
More salary data for Gulfport, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Gulfport in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Gulfport?
Are athletic trainers in Gulfport paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Gulfport?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Gulfport?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Gulfport. 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 Gulfport 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