Athletic Trainer Salary

Berwyn vs Champaign: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Berwyn, IL and Champaign, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Berwyn, IL
$62,764
$30.18/hr
Champaign, IL
$68,428
$32.90/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBerwyn, ILChampaign, IL
Median Salary$62,764$68,428
Hourly Rate$30.18$32.90
Entry Level (P10)$45,898$46,634
25th Percentile$56,789$52,964
75th Percentile$73,671$69,359
Top Earner (P90)$86,561$92,870
Total Employed1240
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Berwyn ($62,764) and Champaign ($68,428) athletic trainer salaries.BerwynChampaignMedian Salary$62,764$68,428Entry Level (P10)$45,898$46,634Top Earner (P90)$86,561$92,870US Median $65,415

Verdict

Champaign, IL offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Berwyn.

The salary gap between Berwyn and Champaign is $5,664 (9.02%). Champaign's median is +4.61% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Berwyn spans $40,663,Champaign spans $46,236. Champaign has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Berwyn
P10 (Entry)$45,898
P25$56,789
Median$62,764
P75$73,671
P90 (Top)$86,561
Champaign
P10 (Entry)$46,634
P25$52,964
Median$68,428
P75$69,359
P90 (Top)$92,870

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($73,813 effective) pays 14.19% more than Berwyn ($64,639 effective).

Berwyn
Nominal: $62,764
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $64,639
Champaign
Nominal: $68,428
CoL Index: 92.704
Adjusted: $73,813

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Berwyn if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Champaign if…

  • Higher median salary ($68,428/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($92,870)
  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,813)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Berwyn grew 7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.8% growth in Champaign over the same period.

Berwyn, IL

+7.8%

$55,650 (2024) → $59,987 (2025)

Champaign, IL

+19.8%

$54,570 (2019) → $65,400 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Berwyn or Champaign?

Champaign has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $68,428/year, compared to Berwyn at $62,764/year — a difference of $5,664 (9.02%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Berwyn and Champaign?

Berwyn athletic trainers earn $30.18/hr while Champaign hygienists earn $32.90/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Berwyn to Champaign as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Berwyn and Champaign. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Berwyn = $64,639, Champaign = $73,813), job availability (12 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Berwyn vs Champaign?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $45,898 in Berwyn and $46,634 in Champaign. The Champaign 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