Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Atlantic City, NJ: $34.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Atlantic City, NJ runs $34.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,754 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Atlantic City's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,652 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Atlantic City, New Jersey, the projected median hourly pay for athletic trainers in 2026 is $34.98, significantly above the national median of $31.45. This premium reflects the demand for skilled professionals in settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional sports team environments. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a feasible income while still allowing flexibility in scheduling, a common appeal for those balancing multiple commitments. Per-diem athletic trainers, operating on an event-based model, can also find lucrative opportunities, charging rates that typically vary widely based on the specific engagement, whether it's at a military base or an outpatient clinic. The hourly pay range extends from $29.06 for entry-level positions to $46.52 for top earners in the area, creating a vibrant market for both fresh graduates and experienced professionals alike.
About the Atlantic City Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.06 | $232.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.02 | $256.13 |
| Median (P50) | $34.98 | $279.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.35 | $322.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.52 | $372.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlantic City
Based on $34.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.98/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlantic City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $72,754 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,973. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Atlantic City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlantic City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,399.11 | $6,063 | $72,754 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $839.47 | $3,638 | $43,652 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $559.64 | $2,425 | $29,102 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Atlantic City) | $34.98 |
| 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 Atlantic City, NJ earn a median of $72,754 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.22% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.50% below the New Jersey state average of $75,393.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.98/hr = $43,652/year (purchasing power: $37,893).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,754/year (purchasing power: $63,154).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Atlantic City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Atlantic City grew 29.1% from $25.90/hr (2019) to $33.43/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.60/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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City
Part-time work in athletic training can offer a different fiscal perspective compared to full-time roles. For instance, a trainer working 24 hours per week at the typical hourly rate can expect an annual take-home that may hover around $43,000, which provides a solid living yet does not rival the full-time income potential. On the other hand, per diem and locum work provides varied earning potential; event-specific coverage can yield $200 to $500 per day, while industrial settings may command $50 to $80 per hour, particularly for contracts with larger clients. Additionally, employers such as secondary schools and colleges often offer lower hourly wages compared to professional sports teams, which typically come with both higher pay and additional benefits. Interestingly, some athletic trainers may choose lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and other benefits, revealing a crucial trade-off in employment decisions. For those navigating the job market, understanding the distinct pay scales of different settings can be beneficial, alongside practical negotiation tactics to secure favorable terms, particularly in a marketplace like Atlantic City.
More salary data for Atlantic City, NJ:
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 Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City 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