Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Raleigh, NC: $30.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Raleigh, NC runs $30.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,537 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Raleigh's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,528 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Raleigh, North Carolina, athletic trainers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $30.07 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $31.45. This hourly pay rate has significant implications for those in various employment scenarios, such as part-time work or per-diem engagements. Athletic trainers working on a three-day-a-week schedule can expect to earn a steady income while also balancing personal commitments. The hourly pay range for this profession in Raleigh is quite broad, spanning from $24.78 at the entry-level to $46.72 for top earners, indicating a potential for growth and increased earnings with experience and specialization. In different settings like high schools, colleges, or professional sports teams, the hourly dynamics can vary, showcasing the diversity of opportunities within the field.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.78 | $198.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.84 | $206.75 |
| Median (P50) | $30.07 | $240.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.48 | $299.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.72 | $373.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Raleigh
Based on $30.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.07/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Raleigh, NC can expect to earn approximately $62,547 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,085. With a cost-of-living index of 98.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Raleigh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Raleigh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,202.83 | $5,212 | $62,547 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.70 | $3,127 | $37,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.13 | $2,085 | $25,019 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Raleigh) | $30.07 |
| 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 Raleigh, NC earn a median of $62,537 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.40% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 6.80% above the North Carolina state average of $58,556.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.07/hr = $37,528/year (purchasing power: $38,233).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,547/year (purchasing power: $63,721).
CoL index: 98.157 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Raleigh grew 23.7% from $23.23/hr (2019) to $28.74/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.46/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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh
When examining the potential annual income, a part-time athletic trainer working 24 hours per week may bring home around $37,700 annually, while full-time trainers could easily surpass $62,000 with overtime possibilities. Per diem roles are also lucrative, with event coverage paying between $200 and $500 each time, and contractors in industrial settings commanding rates of $50-$80 per hour. Athletic trainers in Raleigh may find differences in pay depending on their employer type; secondary schools tend to offer lower rates compared to universities or professional teams. Many athletic trainers may face a decision between accepting lower hourly wages that include health insurance benefits versus higher wages without benefits. Effective negotiation strategies include understanding the local market wage variations and being prepared to articulate the value of their credentials, particularly in a landscape shifting towards master's-level qualifications since 2022.
More salary data for Raleigh, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Raleigh in 2026?
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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 Raleigh. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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