Arvada vs Fort Collins: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Arvada, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arvada, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,329▲ | $68,054 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.82▲ | $32.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,655▲ | $52,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,793▲ | $58,109 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,154▲ | $81,883 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,567▲ | $97,766 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 44▲ |
Verdict
Arvada, CO offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Arvada and Fort Collins is $2,275 (3.34%). Arvada's median is +7.51% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arvada spans $42,912,Fort Collins spans $45,466. Fort Collins has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Arvada ($66,980 effective) pays 3.34% more than Fort Collins ($64,813 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arvada if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,329/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,567)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,980)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Arvada grew 7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.3% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Arvada, CO
$62,358 (2024) → $67,217 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$54,500 (2019) → $65,043 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arvada, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Arvada or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arvada and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Arvada to Fort Collins as a athletic trainer?
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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
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