Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Columbus, NE: $26.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Columbus, NE runs $26.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,892 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,532 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Nebraska, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $26.87, which places them significantly below the national median of $31.45. This hourly wage can provide varied financial outcomes for those working part-time, such as athletic trainers employed three days a week, who would earn a sustainable income through a combination of part-time contracts and potential per-diem work at various athletic settings. The hourly range for athletic trainers in Columbus spans from $22.98 at the entry level to $37.06 for top earners. This compensation reflects estimated hourly rates derived from annual salary data, demonstrating that while local opportunities exist in high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and outpatient clinics, trainers may face challenges in matching the higher compensation levels available in different regions or specialized sectors.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.98 | $183.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.92 | $199.38 |
| Median (P50) | $26.87 | $214.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.47 | $243.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.06 | $296.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $26.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.87/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, NE can expect to earn approximately $55,887 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,243. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,074.76 | $4,657 | $55,887 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $644.86 | $2,794 | $33,532 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $429.90 | $1,863 | $22,355 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Columbus) | $26.87 |
| 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 Columbus, NE earn a median of $55,892 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.56% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $59,842.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.87/hr = $33,532/year (purchasing power: $36,648).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,887/year (purchasing power: $61,079).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Columbus grew 29.1% from $19.90/hr (2019) to $25.68/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.11/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Analyzing part-time earning potential reveals that an athletic trainer working 24 hours a week could expect to take home around $33,542 annually, compared to the significantly higher figures available to full-time professionals. For per-diem or agency work, event coverage typically pays between $200 to $500 per occasion, while industrial athletic trainers servicing larger clients like Toyota or Boeing can earn $50 to $80 an hour. Hourly rates can fluctuate widely based on employment settings; secondary schools generally offer lower pay than NCAA institutions or professional sports organizations, which may present more lucrative contracts. Many athletic trainers in Columbus may opt for positions with lower hourly rates due to benefits such as health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. Those seeking to negotiate their rates should consider industry standards while being prepared to discuss their qualifications and experience, particularly in light of the 2022 requirement for a master's degree as the entry-level credential.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Columbus?
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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