Athletic Trainer Salary

Bellevue vs Omaha: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Bellevue, NE and Omaha, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bellevue, NE
$57,960
$27.86/hr
Omaha, NE
$61,920
$29.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBellevue, NEOmaha, NE
Median Salary$57,960$61,920
Hourly Rate$27.86$29.77
Entry Level (P10)$44,929$52,399
25th Percentile$51,050$58,792
75th Percentile$70,119$67,424
Top Earner (P90)$83,412$79,603
Total Employed15110
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bellevue ($57,960) and Omaha ($61,920) athletic trainer salaries.BellevueOmahaMedian Salary$57,960$61,920Entry Level (P10)$44,929$52,399Top Earner (P90)$83,412$79,603US Median $65,415

Verdict

Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellevue.

The salary gap between Bellevue and Omaha is $3,960 (6.83%). Omaha's median is -5.34% 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,Omaha spans $27,204. Bellevue has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bellevue
P10 (Entry)$44,929
P25$51,050
Median$57,960
P75$70,119
P90 (Top)$83,412
Omaha
P10 (Entry)$52,399
P25$58,792
Median$61,920
P75$67,424
P90 (Top)$79,603

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Omaha ($67,370 effective) pays 6.35% more than Bellevue ($63,344 effective).

Bellevue
Nominal: $57,960
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $63,344
Omaha
Nominal: $61,920
CoL Index: 91.911
Adjusted: $67,370

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)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Omaha if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,920/year)
  • Larger job market (110 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,370)
  • 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 29.5% growth in Omaha over the same period.

Bellevue, NE

+20.2%

$46,074 (2024) → $55,395 (2025)

Omaha, NE

+29.5%

$45,690 (2019) → $59,180 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Bellevue or Omaha?

Omaha has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $61,920/year, compared to Bellevue at $57,960/year — a difference of $3,960 (6.83%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Omaha?

Bellevue athletic trainers earn $27.86/hr while Omaha hygienists earn $29.77/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bellevue to Omaha as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bellevue and Omaha. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bellevue = $63,344, Omaha = $67,370), job availability (15 vs 110 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Bellevue vs Omaha?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $44,929 in Bellevue and $52,399 in Omaha. The Omaha 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