Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $29.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Wilkes-Barre, PA runs $29.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,202 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Wilkes-Barre's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,719 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, can expect a median hourly rate of $29.42, which falls below the national median of $31.45. This discrepancy reflects the local job market dynamics as well as the cost of living index in Wilkes-Barre, which is slightly below the national average. The hourly range for athletic trainers in this area spans from $22.85 at the entry-level to as high as $40.30 for those at the 90th percentile. This means that part-time athletic trainers, working three days a week, can still earn a reasonable income, while per-diem workers find opportunities in various settings such as high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, and outpatient clinics. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary projections, providing both practitioners and aspiring professionals insight into potential earnings in this specialized field.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.85 | $182.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.82 | $206.58 |
| Median (P50) | $29.42 | $235.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.59 | $276.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.30 | $322.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilkes-Barre
Based on $29.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.42/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilkes-Barre, PA can expect to earn approximately $61,198 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,306. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilkes-Barre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilkes-Barre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,176.88 | $5,100 | $61,198 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $706.13 | $3,060 | $36,719 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.75 | $2,040 | $24,479 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Wilkes-Barre) | $29.42 |
| 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $61,202 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.44% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $62,197.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.42/hr = $36,719/year (purchasing power: $37,699).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,198/year (purchasing power: $62,831).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Wilkes-Barre grew 29.1% from $21.79/hr (2019) to $28.12/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.78/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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre
When considering part-time work in Wilkes-Barre, an athletic trainer working 24 hours per week might take home around $37,631 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. Per diem athletic trainers can capitalize on higher hourly rates that vary based on the employer; for instance, event coverage may pay between $200 and $500 per game, while industrial settings often offer $50 to $80 per hour. Employers in the region include educational institutions and healthcare providers. The trade-off between hourly wages and benefits becomes crucial in negotiations, as some may choose jobs with lower pay in exchange for health insurance and job stability. For those seeking employment, effective negotiation strategies can help maximize compensation, particularly in a city like Wilkes-Barre, where the athletic trainer hourly pay reflects a blend of competitive rates and local economic conditions.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Wilkes-Barre in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Wilkes-Barre?
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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 Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre 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