Aurora vs Urbana: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Aurora, IL and Urbana, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, IL | Urbana, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,724 | $68,179▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.15 | $32.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,881 | $56,825▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,313 | $62,488▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,220 | $81,235▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,689 | $95,176▲ |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Urbana, IL offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Urbana is $5,455 (8.70%). Urbana's median is +4.23% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $41,808,Urbana spans $38,351. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Urbana ($70,215 effective) pays 8.70% more than Aurora ($64,597 effective).
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 (44 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Urbana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,179/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,176)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,215)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Aurora grew 7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in Urbana over the same period.
Aurora, IL
$55,614 (2024) → $59,948 (2025)
Urbana, IL
$54,430 (2024) → $65,162 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, IL
Urbana, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Aurora or Urbana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Urbana?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Urbana as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Aurora vs Urbana?
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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.
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