Athletic Trainer Salary

Aurora vs Loveland: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Aurora, CO
$66,086
$31.78/hr
Loveland, CO
$66,369
$31.91/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAurora, COLoveland, CO
Median Salary$66,086$66,369
Hourly Rate$31.78$31.91
Entry Level (P10)$49,039$51,499
25th Percentile$56,799$58,291
75th Percentile$80,435$78,775
Top Earner (P90)$97,321$92,648
Total Employed5417
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Aurora ($66,086) and Loveland ($66,369) athletic trainer salaries.AuroraLovelandMedian Salary$66,086$66,369Entry Level (P10)$49,039$51,499Top Earner (P90)$97,321$92,648US Median $65,415

Verdict

Aurora and Loveland are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Aurora and Loveland is $283 (0.43%). Loveland's median is +1.46% 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,Loveland spans $41,149. 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
Loveland
P10 (Entry)$51,499
P25$58,291
Median$66,369
P75$78,775
P90 (Top)$92,648

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Loveland ($63,209 effective) pays 0.43% more than Aurora ($62,939 effective).

Aurora
Nominal: $66,086
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $62,939
Loveland
Nominal: $66,369
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $63,209

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Aurora if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($97,321)
  • Larger job market (54 employed)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Loveland if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,369/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,209)
  • 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 Loveland over the same period.

Aurora, CO

+1.0%

$62,541 (2024) → $63,162 (2025)

Loveland, CO

+7.8%

$58,846 (2024) → $63,432 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Aurora or Loveland?

Loveland has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $66,369/year, compared to Aurora at $66,086/year — a difference of $283 (0.43%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Loveland?

Aurora athletic trainers earn $31.78/hr while Loveland hygienists earn $31.91/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Aurora and Loveland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Aurora = $62,939, Loveland = $63,209), job availability (54 vs 17 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $49,039 in Aurora and $51,499 in Loveland. The Loveland 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