Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Parkersburg, WV: $26.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Parkersburg, WV runs $26.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,858 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Parkersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,919 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer hourly pay in Parkersburg, West Virginia, sits at a median of $26.38, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $31.45. This disparity highlights the financial realities faced by local athletic trainers, particularly those who work part-time or on a per-diem basis in various environments like high school athletic facilities, colleges, and even industrial clinics. For part-time trainers working three days a week, this median translates to approximately $1,066 per week if they maintain a consistent schedule. The hourly pay range also varies widely, with entry-level positions earning around $22.00 per hour, while experienced trainers may command up to $36.98 per hour, demonstrating a clear pathway for financial growth in this profession despite the overall lower pay scale in Parkersburg compared to national averages.
About the Parkersburg 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) | $22.00 | $176.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.27 | $194.19 |
| Median (P50) | $26.38 | $211.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.53 | $252.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.98 | $295.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Parkersburg
Based on $26.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.38/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Parkersburg, WV can expect to earn approximately $54,865 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,653. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Parkersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Parkersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,055.09 | $4,572 | $54,865 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $633.05 | $2,743 | $32,919 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $422.04 | $1,829 | $21,946 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Parkersburg) | $26.38 |
| 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 Parkersburg, WV earn a median of $54,858 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.14% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.10% below the West Virginia state average of $56,612.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.38/hr = $32,919/year (purchasing power: $38,056).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,865/year (purchasing power: $63,427).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Parkersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Parkersburg grew 29.1% from $19.53/hr (2019) to $25.21/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.60/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 Parkersburg 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 Parkersburg
Analyzing the financial landscape for athletic trainers in Parkersburg reveals different earning potentials, particularly for those balancing part-time work against full-time commitments. A trainer working only three days a week at $26.38 could take home around $55,200 annually, whereas a full-time position might yield just above $54,858, presenting a minor financial incentive for full-time roles. Per diem opportunities are quite lucrative, with coverage for games paying between $200 to $500 each, while industrial contracts can range from $50 to $80 per hour. This variance is important as trainers often choose employer types based on not just pay, but benefits—many will forfeit higher hourly rates in industrial settings to receive health insurance and job security in educational institutions. Negotiating tips for Parkersburg’s athletic trainers might involve emphasizing the growing demand for services, especially in schools and hospitals, potentially allowing professionals to secure higher rates or better benefits packages that match their qualifications and experience.
More salary data for Parkersburg, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Parkersburg 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 Parkersburg. 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 Parkersburg 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