Athletic Trainer Salary

Atlanta vs Savannah: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Atlanta, GA
$69,202
$33.27/hr
Savannah, GA
$62,276
$29.95/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GASavannah, GA
Median Salary$69,202$62,276
Hourly Rate$33.27$29.95
Entry Level (P10)$52,639$54,031
25th Percentile$59,451$61,983
75th Percentile$90,787$68,166
Top Earner (P90)$126,236$75,229
Total Employed36030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($69,202) and Savannah ($62,276) athletic trainer salaries.AtlantaSavannahMedian Salary$69,202$62,276Entry Level (P10)$52,639$54,031Top Earner (P90)$126,236$75,229US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Atlanta and Savannah is $6,926 (11.12%). 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,Savannah spans $21,198. 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
Savannah
P10 (Entry)$54,031
P25$61,983
Median$62,276
P75$68,166
P90 (Top)$75,229

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($69,162 effective) pays 5.73% more than Savannah ($65,412 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $69,202
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $69,162
Savannah
Nominal: $62,276
CoL Index: 95.206
Adjusted: $65,412

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 Savannah 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 25.6% growth in Savannah over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+32.0%

$50,120 (2019) → $66,140 (2025)

Savannah, GA

+25.6%

$47,390 (2021) → $59,520 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Atlanta or Savannah?

Atlanta has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $69,202/year, compared to Savannah at $62,276/year — a difference of $6,926 (11.12%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Savannah?

Atlanta athletic trainers earn $33.27/hr while Savannah hygienists earn $29.95/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Savannah. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $69,162, Savannah = $65,412), job availability (360 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,639 in Atlanta and $54,031 in Savannah. The Savannah 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