Athletic Trainer Salary

Aurora vs Pueblo: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Aurora, CO
$66,086
$31.78/hr
Pueblo, CO
$69,064
$33.20/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAurora, COPueblo, CO
Median Salary$66,086$69,064
Hourly Rate$31.78$33.20
Entry Level (P10)$49,039$52,678
25th Percentile$56,799$60,166
75th Percentile$80,435$84,424
Top Earner (P90)$97,321$101,088
Total Employed5426
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Aurora ($66,086) and Pueblo ($69,064) athletic trainer salaries.AuroraPuebloMedian Salary$66,086$69,064Entry Level (P10)$49,039$52,678Top Earner (P90)$97,321$101,088US Median $65,415

Verdict

Pueblo, CO offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.

The salary gap between Aurora and Pueblo is $2,978 (4.51%). Pueblo's median is +5.58% 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,Pueblo spans $48,410. Pueblo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Aurora
P10 (Entry)$49,039
P25$56,799
Median$66,086
P75$80,435
P90 (Top)$97,321
Pueblo
P10 (Entry)$52,678
P25$60,166
Median$69,064
P75$84,424
P90 (Top)$101,088

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pueblo ($65,775 effective) pays 4.51% more than Aurora ($62,939 effective).

Aurora
Nominal: $66,086
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $62,939
Pueblo
Nominal: $69,064
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $65,775

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Aurora if…

  • Larger job market (54 employed)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Pueblo if…

  • Higher median salary ($69,064/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($101,088)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,775)
  • 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 Pueblo over the same period.

Aurora, CO

+1.0%

$62,541 (2024) → $63,162 (2025)

Pueblo, CO

+7.8%

$61,236 (2024) → $66,008 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Aurora or Pueblo?

Pueblo has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $69,064/year, compared to Aurora at $66,086/year — a difference of $2,978 (4.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Pueblo?

Aurora athletic trainers earn $31.78/hr while Pueblo hygienists earn $33.20/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Aurora and Pueblo. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Aurora = $62,939, Pueblo = $65,775), job availability (54 vs 26 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $49,039 in Aurora and $52,678 in Pueblo. The Pueblo 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