Athletic Trainer Salary

Auburn vs Mobile: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Auburn, AL and Mobile, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Auburn, AL
$64,253
$30.89/hr
Mobile, AL
$52,388
$25.18/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAuburn, ALMobile, AL
Median Salary$64,253$52,388
Hourly Rate$30.89$25.18
Entry Level (P10)$40,209$41,193
25th Percentile$55,130$46,529
75th Percentile$66,796$64,473
Top Earner (P90)$89,929$66,084
Total Employed4060
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Auburn ($64,253) and Mobile ($52,388) athletic trainer salaries.AuburnMobileMedian Salary$64,253$52,388Entry Level (P10)$40,209$41,193Top Earner (P90)$89,929$66,084US Median $65,415

Verdict

Auburn, AL offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mobile.

The salary gap between Auburn and Mobile is $11,865 (22.65%). Auburn's median is -1.78% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $49,720,Mobile spans $24,891. Auburn has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Auburn
P10 (Entry)$40,209
P25$55,130
Median$64,253
P75$66,796
P90 (Top)$89,929
Mobile
P10 (Entry)$41,193
P25$46,529
Median$52,388
P75$64,473
P90 (Top)$66,084

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Auburn ($73,070 effective) pays 22.88% more than Mobile ($59,466 effective).

Auburn
Nominal: $64,253
CoL Index: 87.933
Adjusted: $73,070
Mobile
Nominal: $52,388
CoL Index: 88.098
Adjusted: $59,466

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Auburn if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,253/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($89,929)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,070)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Mobile if…

  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Auburn grew 0.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.5% growth in Mobile over the same period.

Auburn, AL

+0.0%

$61,410 (2024) → $61,410 (2025)

Mobile, AL

+12.5%

$44,500 (2019) → $50,070 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Auburn or Mobile?

Auburn has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $64,253/year, compared to Mobile at $52,388/year — a difference of $11,865 (22.65%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Mobile?

Auburn athletic trainers earn $30.89/hr while Mobile hygienists earn $25.18/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Auburn to Mobile as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Auburn and Mobile. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Auburn = $73,070, Mobile = $59,466), job availability (40 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Auburn vs Mobile?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $40,209 in Auburn and $41,193 in Mobile. The Mobile 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