Athletic Trainer Salary

Baton Rouge vs Hammond: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Hammond, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baton Rouge, LA
$66,702
$32.07/hr
Hammond, LA
$61,472
$29.56/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaton Rouge, LAHammond, LA
Median Salary$66,702$61,472
Hourly Rate$32.07$29.56
Entry Level (P10)$53,142$51,237
25th Percentile$64,159$56,095
75th Percentile$75,449$72,383
Top Earner (P90)$85,755$83,390
Total Employed2204
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baton Rouge ($66,702) and Hammond ($61,472) athletic trainer salaries.Baton RougeHammondMedian Salary$66,702$61,472Entry Level (P10)$53,142$51,237Top Earner (P90)$85,755$83,390US Median $65,415

Verdict

Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hammond.

The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Hammond is $5,230 (8.51%). Baton Rouge's median is +1.97% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $32,613,Hammond spans $32,153. Baton Rouge has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Baton Rouge
P10 (Entry)$53,142
P25$64,159
Median$66,702
P75$75,449
P90 (Top)$85,755
Hammond
P10 (Entry)$51,237
P25$56,095
Median$61,472
P75$72,383
P90 (Top)$83,390

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($73,477 effective) pays 7.93% more than Hammond ($68,075 effective).

Baton Rouge
Nominal: $66,702
CoL Index: 90.78
Adjusted: $73,477
Hammond
Nominal: $61,472
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $68,075

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baton Rouge if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,702/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($85,755)
  • Larger job market (220 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,477)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Hammond if…

  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Baton Rouge grew 29.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.2% growth in Hammond over the same period.

Baton Rouge, LA

+29.8%

$49,110 (2019) → $63,750 (2025)

Hammond, LA

+33.2%

$44,123 (2024) → $58,752 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Baton Rouge or Hammond?

Baton Rouge has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $66,702/year, compared to Hammond at $61,472/year — a difference of $5,230 (8.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Hammond?

Baton Rouge athletic trainers earn $32.07/hr while Hammond hygienists earn $29.56/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Hammond as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baton Rouge and Hammond. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baton Rouge = $73,477, Hammond = $68,075), job availability (220 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Baton Rouge vs Hammond?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $53,142 in Baton Rouge and $51,237 in Hammond. The Baton Rouge area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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