Bellevue vs Grand Island: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Bellevue, NE and Grand Island, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, NE | Grand Island, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,960 | $58,424▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.86 | $28.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,929 | $46,261▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,050▲ | $50,731 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,119▲ | $70,041 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,412▲ | $82,716 |
| Total Employed | 15▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Bellevue and Grand Island are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Grand Island is $464 (0.80%). Grand Island's median is -10.69% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $38,483,Grand Island spans $36,455. Bellevue 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, Grand Island ($63,851 effective) pays 0.80% more than Bellevue ($63,344 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,412)
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,424/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,851)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Bellevue grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Grand Island over the same period.
Bellevue, NE
$46,074 (2024) → $55,395 (2025)
Grand Island, NE
$46,443 (2024) → $55,839 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, NE
Grand Island, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Bellevue or Grand Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Grand Island?
Should I relocate from Bellevue to Grand Island as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Bellevue vs Grand Island?
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