Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Ridgeland, MS: $21.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Ridgeland, MS runs $21.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,507 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Ridgeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,304 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ridgeland, Mississippi, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be $21.88 in 2026. This figure falls significantly below the national hourly median of $31.45, reflecting the regional economic conditions and the demand for these professionals. For athletic trainers working part-time, such as those who might cover three days a week, this translates to an approximate annual income that is considerably lower than their full-time counterparts. Part-time and per-diem roles are common in various settings, including high schools, colleges, and professional sports teams, with entry-level trainers earning around $17.86, while top earners can command up to $28.51 an hour. This wide hourly range indicates potential growth as trainers gain experience and credentials, particularly in specialized environments like military bases or outpatient clinics.
About the Ridgeland 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) | $17.86 | $142.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.55 | $164.39 |
| Median (P50) | $21.88 | $175.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.04 | $200.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.51 | $228.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ridgeland
Based on $21.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.88/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ridgeland, MS can expect to earn approximately $45,507 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,254. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ridgeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ridgeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $875.13 | $3,792 | $45,507 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $525.08 | $2,275 | $27,304 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $350.05 | $1,517 | $18,203 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Ridgeland) | $21.88 |
| 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 Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $45,507 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.43% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $47,403.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.88/hr = $27,304/year (purchasing power: $31,860).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,507/year (purchasing power: $53,100).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Ridgeland grew 29.1% from $16.20/hr (2019) to $20.91/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.89/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 Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland
Compensatory factors in Ridgeland highlight diverse earning opportunities for athletic trainers. For those working part-time, a typical 24-hour workweek may yield a lower annual take-home compared to a full-time salary, making the economic situation more complex. Per diem athletic trainers often take on roles that pay anywhere from $200 to $500 per event, which can be appealing for flexible working arrangements. Hourly rates can differ significantly depending on the type of employment; for instance, industrial athletic trainers may find positions with contractors that offer rates between $50 and $80 per hour, reflecting the higher demand in occupational health settings. Athletic trainers must weigh the benefits of consistent hourly rates against their desire for health insurance and other perks often provided by full-time positions, influencing their employment decisions. For those negotiating their pay, it may be advantageous to emphasize skill sets aligned with industrial AT roles, where demand is robust and compensation is competitive.
More salary data for Ridgeland, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Ridgeland. 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 Ridgeland 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