Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Cleveland, TN: $28.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Cleveland, TN runs $28.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,651 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Cleveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,191 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cleveland, Tennessee, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at a median rate of $28.20, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45. This hourly rate reflects the expected compensation for athletic trainers working in diverse environments such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional sports teams. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this compensation equates to approximately $1,130 monthly based on a 24-hour work schedule. The hourly pay range for athletic trainers in Cleveland spans from $23.11 for entry-level positions to $39.87 for those at the top of the pay scale, providing opportunities for both newer professionals and seasoned experts in various settings, including industrial health clinics and military bases.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.11 | $184.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.58 | $204.66 |
| Median (P50) | $28.20 | $225.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.97 | $271.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.87 | $319.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland
Based on $28.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.20/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland, TN can expect to earn approximately $58,651 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,837. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,127.91 | $4,888 | $58,651 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $676.75 | $2,933 | $35,191 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $451.16 | $1,955 | $23,461 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Cleveland) | $28.20 |
| 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 Cleveland, TN earn a median of $58,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.34% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.30% below the Tennessee state average of $60,032.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.20/hr = $35,191/year (purchasing power: $38,334).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,651/year (purchasing power: $63,890).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Cleveland grew 29.1% from $20.88/hr (2019) to $26.95/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.50/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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Considering part-time opportunities, an athletic trainer working 24 hours a week may earn about $13,491 annually, a stark contrast to the earning potential of full-time professionals. Per diem athletic trainers often find themselves in lucrative situations, where game coverage can pay anywhere from $200 to $500 per event, while industrial contracts may offer rates ranging from $50 to $80 per hour. College coverage for bowl games or playoff events can also provide attractive stipends from $200 to $1,000. The kind of employer significantly impacts hourly compensation, as athletic trainers in industrial environments or professional sports teams tend to receive higher pay than those in educational settings. When weighing job offers, many professionals must consider the trade-off between lower hourly rates with associated health benefits, versus higher pay that lacks these advantages. For those negotiating their hourly rate in Cleveland, it's wise to emphasize relevant experience and certifications, as these can lead to more favorable offers in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Cleveland 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 Cleveland. 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 Cleveland 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