Athletic Trainer Salary

Aurora vs Westminster: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Aurora, CO
$66,086
$31.78/hr
Westminster, CO
$69,069
$33.21/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAurora, COWestminster, CO
Median Salary$66,086$69,069
Hourly Rate$31.78$33.21
Entry Level (P10)$49,039$54,390
25th Percentile$56,799$60,177
75th Percentile$80,435$84,330
Top Earner (P90)$97,321$101,287
Total Employed5419
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Aurora ($66,086) and Westminster ($69,069) athletic trainer salaries.AuroraWestminsterMedian Salary$66,086$69,069Entry Level (P10)$49,039$54,390Top Earner (P90)$97,321$101,287US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Aurora and Westminster is $2,983 (4.51%). Westminster's median is +5.59% 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,Westminster spans $46,897. 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
Westminster
P10 (Entry)$54,390
P25$60,177
Median$69,069
P75$84,330
P90 (Top)$101,287

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Westminster ($65,780 effective) pays 4.51% more than Aurora ($62,939 effective).

Aurora
Nominal: $66,086
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $62,939
Westminster
Nominal: $69,069
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $65,780

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 Westminster if…

  • Higher median salary ($69,069/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($101,287)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,780)
  • 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 Westminster over the same period.

Aurora, CO

+1.0%

$62,541 (2024) → $63,162 (2025)

Westminster, CO

+7.8%

$61,241 (2024) → $66,013 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Aurora or Westminster?

Westminster has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $69,069/year, compared to Aurora at $66,086/year — a difference of $2,983 (4.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Westminster?

Aurora athletic trainers earn $31.78/hr while Westminster hygienists earn $33.21/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Aurora and Westminster. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Aurora = $62,939, Westminster = $65,780), job availability (54 vs 19 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $49,039 in Aurora and $54,390 in Westminster. The Westminster 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