Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in New Bern, NC: $27.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in New Bern, NC runs $27.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,440 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against New Bern's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,460 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Bern, North Carolina, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at a median of $27.61. This figure is 12.19% lower than the national hourly median of $31.45. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a potential annual income of approximately $43,481, assuming a typical schedule of 24 hours weekly. Various settings such as high schools, colleges, professional teams, and clinics provide differing opportunities, with entry-level athletic trainers earning around $21.41 per hour, while top earners in the field can command an impressive $37.64. It’s critical to understand that these hourly estimates are derived from projected annual salaries, signifying the adaptability of this career path depending on work settings and hours.
About the New Bern Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.41 | $171.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.12 | $192.94 |
| Median (P50) | $27.61 | $220.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.34 | $258.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.64 | $301.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bern
Based on $27.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.61/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bern, NC can expect to earn approximately $57,433 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,134. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Bern.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bern
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,104.47 | $4,786 | $57,433 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $662.68 | $2,872 | $34,460 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $441.79 | $1,914 | $22,973 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (New Bern) | $27.61 |
| 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 New Bern, NC earn a median of $57,440 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.19% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.90% below the North Carolina state average of $58,552.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.61/hr = $34,460/year (purchasing power: $36,816).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,433/year (purchasing power: $61,360).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in New Bern (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in New Bern grew 29.1% from $20.45/hr (2019) to $26.39/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.89/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 New Bern 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 New Bern
When it comes to earning potential, the financial landscape of athletic trainers can vary significantly by employer type in New Bern. A part-time athletic trainer focused on a three-day workweek can earn less than $44,523 annually compared to full-time professionals, who may enjoy benefits alongside their hourly compensation. Many per diem positions in New Bern, such as game coverage for schools or event coverage, typically pay between $200 to $500 per event, while industrial athletics trainers at large companies might bill clients $50 to $80 per hour. Colleges or universities might offer hourly positions with varying stipends between $200 and $1,000 for sport-specific events. Athletic trainers must consider whether they prioritize higher hourly pay without benefits or opt for lower rates with job security and health insurance. For effective negotiation, focus on local industry standards, your unique skills, and the demand for athletic trainers in the area to secure the most favorable terms.
More salary data for New Bern, NC:
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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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