Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Salisbury, NC: $27.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Salisbury, NC runs $27.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,558 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Salisbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,538 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Salisbury, North Carolina, earn a median hourly rate of $27.67, which is 12.01% lower than the national median of $31.45. This hourly pay can significantly impact part-time or per-diem workers, who may operate in various environments such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and industrial workplaces. With the hourly range spanning from $21.51 for entry-level roles to $36.78 for top earners, athletic trainers can find opportunities that suit their lifestyle preferences. Given that the data estimates stem from projected annual salaries, professionals should ensure they evaluate opportunities based on hourly compensation, which can differ based on specific settings and employer types.
About the Salisbury 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) | $21.51 | $172.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.24 | $193.94 |
| Median (P50) | $27.67 | $221.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.90 | $255.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.78 | $294.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salisbury
Based on $27.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.67/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salisbury, NC can expect to earn approximately $57,563 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,210. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Salisbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salisbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,106.99 | $4,797 | $57,563 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $664.19 | $2,878 | $34,538 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $442.79 | $1,919 | $23,025 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Salisbury) | $27.67 |
| 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 Salisbury, NC earn a median of $57,558 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.01% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $58,553.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.67/hr = $34,538/year (purchasing power: $36,900).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,563/year (purchasing power: $61,499).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Salisbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Salisbury grew 29.1% from $20.49/hr (2019) to $26.45/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.96/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 Salisbury 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 Salisbury
For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, their annual income can be quite distinct compared to full-time counterparts. This 24-hour workweek translates to an annual take-home that falls significantly short of what full-time trainers earn. Furthermore, the per diem athletic trainer pay in Salisbury can vary widely, with game coverage ranging from $200 to $500 per event, while industrial settings may yield hourly rates between $50 and $80. The type of employer significantly influences pay rates; secondary schools, colleges, and professional teams may offer various benefits, but industrial or military positions frequently present higher pay with fewer benefits. Those who prefer a steady income may prioritize positions with health insurance, even if it means accepting a lower hourly rate. When negotiating contracts in Salisbury, athletic trainers should emphasize their credentials and the demand for their specialized skills in both traditional sports and industrial environments, as this can help secure a favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Salisbury, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Salisbury in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Salisbury?
Are athletic trainers in Salisbury paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Salisbury?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Salisbury?
Related Pages
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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 Salisbury. 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 Salisbury 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