Athletic Trainer Salary

Ann Arbor vs Romulus: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Romulus, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Ann Arbor, MI
$66,262
$31.86/hr
Romulus, MI
$56,381
$27.11/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnn Arbor, MIRomulus, MI
Median Salary$66,262$56,381
Hourly Rate$31.86$27.11
Entry Level (P10)$52,880$47,285
25th Percentile$58,990$51,616
75th Percentile$78,106$65,307
Top Earner (P90)$116,254$74,940
Total Employed1005
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Ann Arbor ($66,262) and Romulus ($56,381) athletic trainer salaries.Ann ArborRomulusMedian Salary$66,262$56,381Entry Level (P10)$52,880$47,285Top Earner (P90)$116,254$74,940US Median $65,415

Verdict

Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Romulus.

The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Romulus is $9,881 (17.53%). Ann Arbor's median is +1.29% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $63,374,Romulus spans $27,655. Ann Arbor has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Ann Arbor
P10 (Entry)$52,880
P25$58,990
Median$66,262
P75$78,106
P90 (Top)$116,254
Romulus
P10 (Entry)$47,285
P25$51,616
Median$56,381
P75$65,307
P90 (Top)$74,940

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Ann Arbor ($65,684 effective) pays 8.58% more than Romulus ($60,495 effective).

Ann Arbor
Nominal: $66,262
CoL Index: 100.88
Adjusted: $65,684
Romulus
Nominal: $56,381
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $60,495

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Ann Arbor if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,262/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($116,254)
  • Larger job market (100 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,684)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Romulus if…

  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Ann Arbor grew 26.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.6% growth in Romulus over the same period.

Ann Arbor, MI

+26.4%

$50,110 (2019) → $63,330 (2025)

Romulus, MI

+11.6%

$48,266 (2024) → $53,886 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Ann Arbor or Romulus?

Ann Arbor has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $66,262/year, compared to Romulus at $56,381/year — a difference of $9,881 (17.53%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Romulus?

Ann Arbor athletic trainers earn $31.86/hr while Romulus hygienists earn $27.11/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Romulus as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Ann Arbor and Romulus. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Ann Arbor = $65,684, Romulus = $60,495), job availability (100 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Ann Arbor vs Romulus?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,880 in Ann Arbor and $47,285 in Romulus. The Ann Arbor 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