Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in West Fargo, ND: $28.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in West Fargo, ND runs $28.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,144 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against West Fargo's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,491 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Fargo, North Dakota, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be $28.44 in 2026, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $31.45. This hourly rate influences not only full-time positions but also part-time roles, such as those working three days a week, where earnings can be steadily supplemented by additional hours. Athletic trainers in various settings—like high school training rooms, college facilities, and even major league sports team environments—might find themselves within an hourly range from $22.11 at the entry-level tier to as high as $40.53 for top earners. Understanding this range is crucial for those considering a career in athletic training, particularly in West Fargo, where the cost of living index stands at 92, indicating that salaries in the area can go further compared to more expensive locales.
About the West Fargo Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.11 | $176.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.91 | $199.30 |
| Median (P50) | $28.44 | $227.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.77 | $262.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.53 | $324.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Fargo
Based on $28.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.44/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Fargo, ND can expect to earn approximately $59,152 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,126. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Fargo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Fargo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,137.54 | $4,929 | $59,152 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $682.52 | $2,958 | $35,491 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.01 | $1,972 | $23,661 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (West Fargo) | $28.44 |
| 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 West Fargo, ND earn a median of $59,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.59% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.70% below the North Dakota state average of $60,167.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.44/hr = $35,491/year (purchasing power: $38,577).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,152/year (purchasing power: $64,296).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in West Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in West Fargo grew 29.1% from $21.06/hr (2019) to $27.18/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.76/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 West Fargo 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 West Fargo
For part-time athletic trainers who work 24 hours a week, annual take-home pay can be significantly impacted by their employment structure, especially when compared to full-time roles. Per diem positions commonly found in sports events or occupational health settings can provide lucrative opportunities; for instance, per diem athletic trainer pay in West Fargo often ranges from $200 to $500 per event, while those contracted with industrial clients can see billable rates of $50 to $80 per hour. The variety of employer types—ranging from secondary schools and collegiate programs to professional sports organizations and industrial clinics—also influences pay rates dramatically. While some may prioritize higher hourly wages without benefits, it’s important for athletic trainers to consider the overall compensation package. Negotiating for hourly pay in West Fargo can hinge on these factors, as well as the individual's experience and with the evolving educational requirements in the industry, such as the shift to a master's degree curriculum effective since 2022.
More salary data for West Fargo, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in West Fargo in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in West Fargo?
Are athletic trainers in West Fargo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in West Fargo?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in West Fargo?
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 West Fargo. 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 West Fargo 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