Athletic Trainer Salary

Atlanta vs Milton: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Atlanta, GA
$69,202
$33.27/hr
Milton, GA
$60,018
$28.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAMilton, GA
Median Salary$69,202$60,018
Hourly Rate$33.27$28.86
Entry Level (P10)$52,639$49,555
25th Percentile$59,451$54,663
75th Percentile$90,787$69,014
Top Earner (P90)$126,236$85,209
Total Employed3609
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($69,202) and Milton ($60,018) athletic trainer salaries.AtlantaMiltonMedian Salary$69,202$60,018Entry Level (P10)$52,639$49,555Top Earner (P90)$126,236$85,209US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Atlanta and Milton is $9,184 (15.30%). 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,Milton spans $35,654. 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
Milton
P10 (Entry)$49,555
P25$54,663
Median$60,018
P75$69,014
P90 (Top)$85,209

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($69,162 effective) pays 7.28% more than Milton ($64,466 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $69,202
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $69,162
Milton
Nominal: $60,018
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $64,466

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 Milton 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 Milton over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+32.0%

$50,120 (2019) → $66,140 (2025)

Milton, GA

+18.6%

$48,358 (2024) → $57,362 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Atlanta or Milton?

Atlanta has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $69,202/year, compared to Milton at $60,018/year — a difference of $9,184 (15.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Milton?

Atlanta athletic trainers earn $33.27/hr while Milton hygienists earn $28.86/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Milton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $69,162, Milton = $64,466), job availability (360 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,639 in Atlanta and $49,555 in Milton. 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