Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Roanoke, VA: $32.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Roanoke, VA runs $32.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,932 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Roanoke's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,153 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Roanoke, Virginia, earn a median hourly pay of $32.17, which is above the national median hourly rate of $31.45. This competitive rate reflects the diverse job settings that athletic trainers operate in, including high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, military bases, and outpatient clinics. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, the hourly pay enables a reasonable income, making it viable to balance other commitments or side projects. The hourly wage range from $24.73 for entry-level positions to $46.18 for top earners illustrates the potential for career growth within the profession, as enhanced skills and experience can significantly increase earning opportunities over time.
About the Roanoke 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) | $24.73 | $197.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.20 | $225.58 |
| Median (P50) | $32.17 | $257.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.77 | $310.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.18 | $369.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Roanoke
Based on $32.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.17/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Roanoke, VA can expect to earn approximately $66,921 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,608. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Roanoke.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Roanoke
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,286.95 | $5,577 | $66,921 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $772.17 | $3,346 | $40,153 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $514.78 | $2,231 | $26,769 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Roanoke) | $32.17 |
| 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 Roanoke, VA earn a median of $66,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.32% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.90% below the Virginia state average of $67,540.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.17/hr = $40,153/year (purchasing power: $38,908).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,921/year (purchasing power: $64,846).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Roanoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Roanoke grew 19.7% from $25.69/hr (2019) to $30.75/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.66/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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke
Considering part-time work, an athletic trainer who commits to a 3-day week might realize an annual take-home of approximately $40,000, compared to a full-time professional earning around $66,932 yearly at full-time hours. For those seeking per diem positions, the pay structure drastically shifts; event coverage can yield $200-$500 per game, while industrial settings may pay athletic trainers between $50-$80 per hour. Variations in employer types influence wages substantially, with professionals working in occupational health settings often enjoying premium rates compared to their counterparts at secondary schools or traditional sports environments. Some athletic trainers choose positions that offer health benefits despite lower hourly wages, weighing the security of health care against higher pay without such perks. For those negotiating in Roanoke, it's crucial to articulate the full scope of your qualifications and experience, tailoring your ask based on specific employer contexts to maximize both hourly pay and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Roanoke, VA:
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 Roanoke. 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 Roanoke 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