Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Merrimack, NH: $32.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Merrimack, NH runs $32.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,408 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Merrimack's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,041 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Athletic trainers in Merrimack, New Hampshire can expect a median hourly rate of $32.89 for 2026, slightly above the national median of $31.45. This figures greatly influence the work-life balance for part-time and per-diem professionals, who often find themselves working in settings such as high school training rooms, university athletic facilities, and outpatient clinics. With entry-level positions starting at approximately $25.12 per hour and experienced trainers reaching up to $44.34, the hourly pay reflects the wide experience spectrum in this field. These rates provide a robust earning potential for those working on a part-time basis, typically averaging three days a week, contributing to both the financial viability of the role and the healthcare support necessary for athletic performance.
About the Merrimack Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.12 | $200.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.48 | $227.84 |
| Median (P50) | $32.89 | $263.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.31 | $306.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.34 | $354.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merrimack
Based on $32.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.89/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merrimack, NH can expect to earn approximately $68,401 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,462. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Merrimack.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merrimack
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,315.41 | $5,700 | $68,401 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $789.25 | $3,420 | $41,041 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $526.16 | $2,280 | $27,360 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Merrimack) | $32.89 |
| 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 Merrimack, NH earn a median of $68,408 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.58% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 2.50% below the New Hampshire state average of $70,162.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.89/hr = $41,041/year (purchasing power: $38,249).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,401/year (purchasing power: $63,748).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Merrimack (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Merrimack grew 29.1% from $24.35/hr (2019) to $31.43/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.41/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 Merrimack 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 Merrimack
When considering part-time employment, an athletic trainer working three days a week—approximately 24 hours—could earn around $42,390 annually. However, this contrasts sharply with full-time earnings, which provide greater financial stability. For per diem athletic trainer pay in Merrimack, event coverage can yield $200-$500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers often charge $50-$80 per hour. The diversity of employer types—from secondary schools to professional sports teams and industrial health settings—also impacts hourly rates. It’s important for athletic trainers to weigh the benefits of higher hourly wages against the security of employment benefits, especially in school settings versus industrial roles which typically offer no health insurance. For those entering negotiations, understanding industry standards, backed by the NATA or BOC credentials, can strengthen their position when discussing hourly compensation.
More salary data for Merrimack, NH:
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 Merrimack. 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 Merrimack 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