Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Newport News, VA: $32.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Newport News, VA runs $32.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Newport News's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,819 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a median hourly rate of $32.71 in Newport News, Virginia, athletic trainers earn slightly more than their national counterparts, who see an hourly median of $31.45. This higher pay can significantly impact part-time positions, where professionals working three days a week typically earn a stable income. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers, who often find employment in diverse settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional teams, can anticipate an hourly range that starts at $25.86 and can climb to $48.11. The compensation structure in Newport News allows entry-level trainers to establish their careers while top earners command rates reflective of their experience and specialized skills. Such hourly pay figures are projected from annual salary data derived from previous BLS estimates, hinting at the potential for significant career advancement in this field.
About the Newport News Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.86 | $206.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.29 | $234.29 |
| Median (P50) | $32.71 | $261.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.02 | $320.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.11 | $384.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newport News
Based on $32.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.71/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newport News, VA can expect to earn approximately $68,031 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,249. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newport News.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newport News
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,308.29 | $5,669 | $68,031 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $784.98 | $3,402 | $40,819 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $523.32 | $2,268 | $27,213 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Newport News) | $32.71 |
| 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 Newport News, VA earn a median of $68,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.00% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.80% above the Virginia state average of $67,494.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.71/hr = $40,819/year (purchasing power: $39,553).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,031/year (purchasing power: $65,922).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Newport News (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Newport News grew 29.1% from $24.22/hr (2019) to $31.26/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.22/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 Newport News 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 Newport News
For athletic trainers opting for part-time work, those committing to a 24-hour workweek can expect their annual income to reflect a markedly different dynamic than full-time professionals. Per-diem athletic trainers engaged in event coverage often receive stipends ranging between $200 to $500 for each event attended, which can make this job type attractive for those seeking flexibility and immediate cash flow. Meanwhile, industrial athletic trainers serving large facilities like Boeing or FedEx might find hourly rates that range from $50 to $80, substantiating why many choose to embrace these roles despite the fluctuating nature of per diem work. In Newport News, pay scales also shift across employer types, with secondary schools generally offering lower rates while collegiate and professional settings typically compensate more generously. While lower hourly pay at educational institutions may come with benefits such as insurance, more lucrative freelance opportunities often lack health coverage, presenting a potential compromise for trained professionals. Negotiation tactics for hourly pay can benefit from understanding the local market conditions and the unique compensation offered by different sectors, ensuring athletic trainers in Newport News can align their expectations with reality.
More salary data for Newport News, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Newport News 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 Newport News. 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 Newport News 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