Athletic Trainer Salary

Atlanta vs Griffin: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Atlanta, GA and Griffin, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$69,202
$33.27/hr
Griffin, GA
$58,040
$27.90/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAGriffin, GA
Median Salary$69,202$58,040
Hourly Rate$33.27$27.90
Entry Level (P10)$52,639$47,444
25th Percentile$59,451$52,240
75th Percentile$90,787$67,704
Top Earner (P90)$126,236$77,635
Total Employed3605
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($69,202) and Griffin ($58,040) athletic trainer salaries.AtlantaGriffinMedian Salary$69,202$58,040Entry Level (P10)$52,639$47,444Top Earner (P90)$126,236$77,635US Median $65,415

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Griffin.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Griffin is $11,162 (19.23%). Atlanta's median is +5.79% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $73,597,Griffin spans $30,191. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$52,639
P25$59,451
Median$69,202
P75$90,787
P90 (Top)$126,236
Griffin
P10 (Entry)$47,444
P25$52,240
Median$58,040
P75$67,704
P90 (Top)$77,635

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($69,162 effective) pays 10.94% more than Griffin ($62,342 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $69,202
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $69,162
Griffin
Nominal: $58,040
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $62,342

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($69,202/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($126,236)
  • Larger job market (360 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,162)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Griffin if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Atlanta grew 32.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Griffin over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+32.0%

$50,120 (2019) → $66,140 (2025)

Griffin, GA

+18.6%

$46,764 (2024) → $55,472 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Atlanta or Griffin?

Atlanta has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $69,202/year, compared to Griffin at $58,040/year — a difference of $11,162 (19.23%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Griffin?

Atlanta athletic trainers earn $33.27/hr while Griffin hygienists earn $27.90/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Griffin as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Griffin. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $69,162, Griffin = $62,342), job availability (360 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Atlanta vs Griffin?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,639 in Atlanta and $47,444 in Griffin. The Atlanta 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