Athletic Trainer Salary

Allentown vs Scranton: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Allentown, PA and Scranton, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Allentown, PA
$65,237
$31.37/hr
Scranton, PA
$62,859
$30.22/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAllentown, PAScranton, PA
Median Salary$65,237$62,859
Hourly Rate$31.37$30.22
Entry Level (P10)$58,635$48,260
25th Percentile$63,667$54,822
75th Percentile$67,811$74,126
Top Earner (P90)$83,369$87,265
Total Employed17013
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Allentown ($65,237) and Scranton ($62,859) athletic trainer salaries.AllentownScrantonMedian Salary$65,237$62,859Entry Level (P10)$58,635$48,260Top Earner (P90)$83,369$87,265US Median $65,415

Verdict

Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Scranton.

The salary gap between Allentown and Scranton is $2,378 (3.78%). Allentown's median is -0.27% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $24,734,Scranton spans $39,005. Scranton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Allentown
P10 (Entry)$58,635
P25$63,667
Median$65,237
P75$67,811
P90 (Top)$83,369
Scranton
P10 (Entry)$48,260
P25$54,822
Median$62,859
P75$74,126
P90 (Top)$87,265

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Allentown ($65,258 effective) pays 1.12% more than Scranton ($64,537 effective).

Allentown
Nominal: $65,237
CoL Index: 99.968
Adjusted: $65,258
Scranton
Nominal: $62,859
CoL Index: 97.4
Adjusted: $64,537

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Allentown if…

  • Higher median salary ($65,237/year)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,258)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Scranton if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($87,265)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Allentown grew 33.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Scranton over the same period.

Allentown, PA

+33.5%

$46,690 (2019) → $62,350 (2025)

Scranton, PA

+18.1%

$50,880 (2022) → $60,077 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Allentown or Scranton?

Allentown has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $65,237/year, compared to Scranton at $62,859/year — a difference of $2,378 (3.78%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and Scranton?

Allentown athletic trainers earn $31.37/hr while Scranton hygienists earn $30.22/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Allentown to Scranton as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Allentown and Scranton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Allentown = $65,258, Scranton = $64,537), job availability (170 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Allentown vs Scranton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $58,635 in Allentown and $48,260 in Scranton. The Allentown 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