Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Nashville, TN: $31.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Nashville, TN runs $31.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,693 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Nashville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.3, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,821 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Nashville, TN, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at a median of $31.11 per hour, slightly below the national median of $31.45 per hour. This rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time professionals working in diverse settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional team training environments. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, the hourly rate offers a viable income, while per-diem opportunities can further supplement earnings. The hourly range for athletic trainers in Nashville extends from $25.11 for entry-level positions up to $35.86 for experienced trainers, reflecting the variances in responsibility and expertise within the role. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, ensuring accuracy and relevance for those considering careers in this field.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.11 | $200.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.15 | $225.16 |
| Median (P50) | $31.11 | $248.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.51 | $260.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.86 | $286.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nashville
Based on $31.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.11/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nashville, TN can expect to earn approximately $64,702 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,328. With a cost-of-living index of 96.34 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Nashville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nashville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,244.26 | $5,392 | $64,702 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $746.56 | $3,235 | $38,821 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.70 | $2,157 | $25,881 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Nashville) | $31.11 |
| 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 Nashville, TN earn a median of $64,693 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.10% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 7.70% above the Tennessee state average of $60,068.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.11/hr = $38,821/year (purchasing power: $40,297).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,702/year (purchasing power: $67,161).
CoL index: 96.338 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Nashville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Nashville grew 38.5% from $21.47/hr (2019) to $29.73/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.55/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 Nashville 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 Nashville
When contemplating part-time athletic trainer roles, the earning potential is noteworthy. A 24-hour work week at the median hourly rate translates to an annual income that is substantially lower compared to full-time positions, impacting benefits such as health insurance. For those pursuing per diem or agency contracts, rates frequently range from $200 to $500 for game coverage, with industrial positions commanding $50 to $80 per hour, highlighting the lucrative opportunities available in settings like factories or health clinics. Basketball or football playoff coverage can also yield stipends between $200 and $1,000. It's crucial to recognize the variation in hourly rates across different employers in Nashville, as high school trainers generally receive lower compensation than their counterparts in collegiate or professional sports. Some athletic trainers might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits, making negotiation skills imperative for those navigating the local job market in TN. Mastering how to position oneself effectively can lead to favorable outcomes in this evolving profession.
More salary data for Nashville, TN:
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 Nashville. 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, 7-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