Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Beckley, WV: $25.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Beckley, WV runs $25.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,715 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Beckley's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,626 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With an hourly median rate of $25.34 for athletic trainers in Beckley, West Virginia, those in the profession earn significantly less than the national median of $31.45. This discrepancy highlights both the local cost of living and the competitive nature of the field. In practical terms, this hourly pay can impact part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, who may find themselves earning between $21.56 and $34.84, depending on their experience and employer. Venues where athletic trainers are typically found—like high school training rooms, college facilities, and professional team environments—can influence earnings, as those in industrial settings or outpatient clinics may offer varied compensation based on their unique demands and expectations. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates and illustrate the balance between work-life integration and financial stability for professionals in Beckley.
About the Beckley Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.56 | $172.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.43 | $187.41 |
| Median (P50) | $25.34 | $202.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.67 | $229.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.84 | $278.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Beckley
Based on $25.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.34/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Beckley, WV can expect to earn approximately $52,710 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,410. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Beckley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Beckley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,013.66 | $4,393 | $52,710 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $608.19 | $2,636 | $31,626 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.46 | $1,757 | $21,084 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Beckley) | $25.34 |
| 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 Beckley, WV earn a median of $52,715 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 6.80% below the West Virginia state average of $56,561.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.34/hr = $31,626/year (purchasing power: $36,562).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,710/year (purchasing power: $60,937).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Beckley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Beckley grew 29.1% from $18.77/hr (2019) to $24.22/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.51/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 Beckley 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 Beckley
Analyzing the earning potential of an athletic trainer working part-time versus full-time reveals interesting dynamics. For a professional working just 24 hours a week, estimated annual earnings would amount to roughly $31,556. In contrast, full-time athletic trainers may expect to earn significantly more over the course of the year. Additionally, per-diem rates represent another way to boost earnings, as per diem athletic trainer pay in Beckley ranges from $200 to $500 per event for game coverage and can be even higher during college bowl games and playoffs. Consequently, hourly rates across different employers in Beckley can fluctuate; while educational institutions may pay less, industrial contracts might offer rates of $50 to $80 per hour, appealing to those seeking higher income. Understandably, some athletic trainers accept lower hourly rates for benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize maximizing their pay. For those embarking on negotiations for hourly positions, it can be advantageous to emphasize expertise and flexibility, which are increasingly valuable in a profession adapting to both traditional sports and industrial health needs.
More salary data for Beckley, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Beckley in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Beckley?
Are athletic trainers in Beckley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Beckley?
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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 Beckley. 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 Beckley 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