Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Lancaster, PA: $29.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Lancaster, PA runs $29.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,669 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,006 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Athletic trainers in Lancaster, PA, command a median hourly rate of $29.65, which is slightly below the national median of $31.45. This rate reflects the diverse settings in which athletic trainers typically work, such as high schools, colleges, professional teams, industrial workplaces, military bases, and outpatient clinics. For those engaging in part-time work—say, three days a week—this translates to a reliable income, especially for those who might also pursue per-diem opportunities. The hourly pay ranges from $24.33 for entry-level positions to as high as $38.01 for experienced practitioners, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. This landscape suggests a competitive environment for athletic trainers, especially in a city like Lancaster, where a keen focus on health and wellness is growing.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.33 | $194.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.75 | $206.00 |
| Median (P50) | $29.65 | $237.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.72 | $245.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.01 | $304.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $29.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.65/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, PA can expect to earn approximately $61,676 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,583. With a cost-of-living index of 98.26 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,186.09 | $5,140 | $61,676 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $711.65 | $3,084 | $37,006 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.43 | $2,056 | $24,671 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Lancaster) | $29.65 |
| 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 Lancaster, PA earn a median of $61,669 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.73% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.80% below the Pennsylvania state average of $62,166.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.65/hr = $37,006/year (purchasing power: $37,662).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,676/year (purchasing power: $62,771).
CoL index: 98.257 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Lancaster grew 18.2% from $23.99/hr (2019) to $28.34/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.03/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
Considering the potential earnings for part-time athletic trainers, those working a typical 24-hour week may take home approximately $36,792 annually, contrasting significantly with their full-time counterparts. Per-diem settings offer different earning realities—coverage for events can yield between $200 and $500 for a single assignment, while industrial contracts may charge clients $50 to $80 per hour. In Lancaster, the rates can also vary widely based on employer type: high school trainers frequently earn less than those in collegiate or professional sports, but they often enjoy more predictable hours. Many trainers grapple with the choice between higher hourly rates without benefits versus steady positions with medical coverage, which can affect their income stability. For those negotiating hourly pay, knowing the rates across various sectors—such as secondary education versus industrial roles—can provide leverage in discussions. Understanding these dynamics can empower athletic trainers to make informed career choices in Lancaster’s job market.
More salary data for Lancaster, PA:
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 Lancaster. 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, 6-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