Athletic Trainer Salary

Apache Junction vs Glendale: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Apache Junction, AZ and Glendale, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Apache Junction, AZ
$62,123
$29.87/hr
Glendale, AZ
$67,664
$32.53/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricApache Junction, AZGlendale, AZ
Median Salary$62,123$67,664
Hourly Rate$29.87$32.53
Entry Level (P10)$51,269$49,071
25th Percentile$56,755$57,484
75th Percentile$71,511$81,650
Top Earner (P90)$82,605$98,439
Total Employed650
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Apache Junction ($62,123) and Glendale ($67,664) athletic trainer salaries.Apache JunctionGlendaleMedian Salary$62,123$67,664Entry Level (P10)$51,269$49,071Top Earner (P90)$82,605$98,439US Median $65,415

Verdict

Glendale, AZ offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Apache Junction.

The salary gap between Apache Junction and Glendale is $5,541 (8.92%). Glendale's median is +3.44% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apache Junction spans $31,336,Glendale spans $49,368. Glendale has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Apache Junction
P10 (Entry)$51,269
P25$56,755
Median$62,123
P75$71,511
P90 (Top)$82,605
Glendale
P10 (Entry)$49,071
P25$57,484
Median$67,664
P75$81,650
P90 (Top)$98,439

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Glendale ($68,694 effective) pays 8.92% more than Apache Junction ($63,069 effective).

Apache Junction
Nominal: $62,123
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $63,069
Glendale
Nominal: $67,664
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $68,694

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Apache Junction if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Glendale if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,664/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($98,439)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,694)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

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

Apache Junction, AZ

+7.8%

$55,081 (2024) → $59,374 (2025)

Glendale, AZ

+7.8%

$59,995 (2024) → $64,670 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Apache Junction or Glendale?

Glendale has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $67,664/year, compared to Apache Junction at $62,123/year — a difference of $5,541 (8.92%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Apache Junction and Glendale?

Apache Junction athletic trainers earn $29.87/hr while Glendale hygienists earn $32.53/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Apache Junction to Glendale as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Apache Junction and Glendale. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Apache Junction = $63,069, Glendale = $68,694), job availability (6 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Apache Junction vs Glendale?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $51,269 in Apache Junction and $49,071 in Glendale. The Apache Junction 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