Athletic Trainer Salary

Beloit vs Madison: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Beloit, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Beloit, WI
$59,399
$28.55/hr
Madison, WI
$76,150
$36.61/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBeloit, WIMadison, WI
Median Salary$59,399$76,150
Hourly Rate$28.55$36.61
Entry Level (P10)$45,126$65,666
25th Percentile$54,870$68,428
75th Percentile$69,005$81,601
Top Earner (P90)$79,795$81,789
Total Employed5130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Beloit ($59,399) and Madison ($76,150) athletic trainer salaries.BeloitMadisonMedian Salary$59,399$76,150Entry Level (P10)$45,126$65,666Top Earner (P90)$79,795$81,789US Median $65,415

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Beloit.

The salary gap between Beloit and Madison is $16,751 (28.20%). Madison's median is +16.41% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beloit spans $34,669,Madison spans $16,123. Beloit has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Beloit
P10 (Entry)$45,126
P25$54,870
Median$59,399
P75$69,005
P90 (Top)$79,795
Madison
P10 (Entry)$65,666
P25$68,428
Median$76,150
P75$81,601
P90 (Top)$81,789

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($78,274 effective) pays 23.08% more than Beloit ($63,596 effective).

Beloit
Nominal: $59,399
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $63,596
Madison
Nominal: $76,150
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $78,274

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Beloit if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Madison if…

  • Higher median salary ($76,150/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($81,789)
  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,274)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Beloit grew 15.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.9% growth in Madison over the same period.

Beloit, WI

+15.8%

$49,034 (2024) → $56,771 (2025)

Madison, WI

+31.9%

$55,160 (2019) → $72,780 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Beloit or Madison?

Madison has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $76,150/year, compared to Beloit at $59,399/year — a difference of $16,751 (28.20%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Beloit and Madison?

Beloit athletic trainers earn $28.55/hr while Madison hygienists earn $36.61/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Beloit to Madison as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Beloit and Madison. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Beloit = $63,596, Madison = $78,274), job availability (5 vs 130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Beloit vs Madison?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $45,126 in Beloit and $65,666 in Madison. The Madison 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