Athletic Trainer Salary

Athens vs Warner Robins: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Athens, GA and Warner Robins, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Athens, GA
$67,581
$32.49/hr
Warner Robins, GA
$61,820
$29.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAthens, GAWarner Robins, GA
Median Salary$67,581$61,820
Hourly Rate$32.49$29.73
Entry Level (P10)$34,549$45,468
25th Percentile$54,585$56,130
75th Percentile$87,586$75,114
Top Earner (P90)$178,603$89,511
Total Employed13020
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Athens ($67,581) and Warner Robins ($61,820) athletic trainer salaries.AthensWarner RobinsMedian Salary$67,581$61,820Entry Level (P10)$34,549$45,468Top Earner (P90)$178,603$89,511US Median $65,415

Verdict

Athens, GA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Warner Robins.

The salary gap between Athens and Warner Robins is $5,761 (9.32%). Athens's median is +3.31% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $144,054,Warner Robins spans $44,043. Athens has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Athens
P10 (Entry)$34,549
P25$54,585
Median$67,581
P75$87,586
P90 (Top)$178,603
Warner Robins
P10 (Entry)$45,468
P25$56,130
Median$61,820
P75$75,114
P90 (Top)$89,511

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Athens ($72,401 effective) pays 9.03% more than Warner Robins ($66,402 effective).

Athens
Nominal: $67,581
CoL Index: 93.343
Adjusted: $72,401
Warner Robins
Nominal: $61,820
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $66,402

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Athens if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,581/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($178,603)
  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,401)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Warner Robins if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Athens grew 8.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Warner Robins over the same period.

Athens, GA

+8.8%

$59,380 (2020) → $64,590 (2025)

Warner Robins, GA

+18.6%

$49,809 (2024) → $59,084 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Athens or Warner Robins?

Athens has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $67,581/year, compared to Warner Robins at $61,820/year — a difference of $5,761 (9.32%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Warner Robins?

Athens athletic trainers earn $32.49/hr while Warner Robins hygienists earn $29.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Athens to Warner Robins as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Athens and Warner Robins. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Athens = $72,401, Warner Robins = $66,402), job availability (130 vs 20 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Athens vs Warner Robins?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $34,549 in Athens and $45,468 in Warner Robins. The Warner Robins 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