Athletic Trainer Salary

Algonquin vs Aurora: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Algonquin, IL and Aurora, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Algonquin, IL
$61,640
$29.63/hr
Aurora, IL
$62,724
$30.15/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlgonquin, ILAurora, IL
Median Salary$61,640$62,724
Hourly Rate$29.63$30.15
Entry Level (P10)$46,445$47,881
25th Percentile$56,802$53,313
75th Percentile$73,740$75,220
Top Earner (P90)$86,535$89,689
Total Employed544
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Algonquin ($61,640) and Aurora ($62,724) athletic trainer salaries.AlgonquinAuroraMedian Salary$61,640$62,724Entry Level (P10)$46,445$47,881Top Earner (P90)$86,535$89,689US Median $65,415

Verdict

Aurora, IL offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Algonquin.

The salary gap between Algonquin and Aurora is $1,084 (1.76%). Aurora's median is -4.11% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Algonquin spans $40,090,Aurora spans $41,808. Aurora has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Algonquin
P10 (Entry)$46,445
P25$56,802
Median$61,640
P75$73,740
P90 (Top)$86,535
Aurora
P10 (Entry)$47,881
P25$53,313
Median$62,724
P75$75,220
P90 (Top)$89,689

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($64,597 effective) pays 1.76% more than Algonquin ($63,481 effective).

Algonquin
Nominal: $61,640
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $63,481
Aurora
Nominal: $62,724
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $64,597

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Algonquin if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Aurora if…

  • Higher median salary ($62,724/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($89,689)
  • Larger job market (44 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,597)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Algonquin grew 7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Aurora over the same period.

Algonquin, IL

+7.8%

$54,652 (2024) → $58,912 (2025)

Aurora, IL

+7.8%

$55,614 (2024) → $59,948 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Algonquin or Aurora?

Aurora has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $62,724/year, compared to Algonquin at $61,640/year — a difference of $1,084 (1.76%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Algonquin and Aurora?

Algonquin athletic trainers earn $29.63/hr while Aurora hygienists earn $30.15/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Algonquin to Aurora as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Algonquin and Aurora. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Algonquin = $63,481, Aurora = $64,597), job availability (5 vs 44 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Algonquin vs Aurora?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $46,445 in Algonquin and $47,881 in Aurora. The Aurora area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gomez, MS, ATCData verified by David Kim, BS, ATC

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov