Athletic Trainer Salary

Aurora vs Fountain: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Aurora, CO and Fountain, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Aurora, CO
$66,086
$31.78/hr
Fountain, CO
$65,215
$31.36/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAurora, COFountain, CO
Median Salary$66,086$65,215
Hourly Rate$31.78$31.36
Entry Level (P10)$49,039$52,470
25th Percentile$56,799$58,379
75th Percentile$80,435$77,759
Top Earner (P90)$97,321$91,130
Total Employed544
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Aurora ($66,086) and Fountain ($65,215) athletic trainer salaries.AuroraFountainMedian Salary$66,086$65,215Entry Level (P10)$49,039$52,470Top Earner (P90)$97,321$91,130US Median $65,415

Verdict

Aurora, CO offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fountain.

The salary gap between Aurora and Fountain is $871 (1.34%). Aurora's median is +1.03% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $48,282,Fountain spans $38,660. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Aurora
P10 (Entry)$49,039
P25$56,799
Median$66,086
P75$80,435
P90 (Top)$97,321
Fountain
P10 (Entry)$52,470
P25$58,379
Median$65,215
P75$77,759
P90 (Top)$91,130

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($62,939 effective) pays 1.34% more than Fountain ($62,110 effective).

Aurora
Nominal: $66,086
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $62,939
Fountain
Nominal: $65,215
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $62,110

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Aurora if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,086/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($97,321)
  • Larger job market (54 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,939)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Fountain if…

  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Aurora grew 1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Fountain over the same period.

Aurora, CO

+1.0%

$62,541 (2024) → $63,162 (2025)

Fountain, CO

+7.8%

$57,823 (2024) → $62,329 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Aurora or Fountain?

Aurora has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $66,086/year, compared to Fountain at $65,215/year — a difference of $871 (1.34%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Fountain?

Aurora athletic trainers earn $31.78/hr while Fountain hygienists earn $31.36/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Aurora to Fountain as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Aurora and Fountain. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Aurora = $62,939, Fountain = $62,110), job availability (54 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Aurora vs Fountain?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $49,039 in Aurora and $52,470 in Fountain. The Fountain area offers higher starting salaries.
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