Birmingham vs Gadsden: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Birmingham, AL and Gadsden, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Gadsden, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,423 | $50,685▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.28 | $24.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,605▲ | $42,331 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,877 | $46,518▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,987▲ | $60,453 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,764 | $70,856▲ |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Gadsden, AL offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Birmingham.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Gadsden is $2,262 (4.67%). Gadsden's median is -22.52% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $24,159,Gadsden spans $28,525. Gadsden has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gadsden ($57,662 effective) pays 9.13% more than Birmingham ($52,838 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Gadsden if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,685/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,856)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,662)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Birmingham grew 20.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Gadsden over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$38,330 (2019) → $46,280 (2025)
Gadsden, AL
$40,820 (2024) → $48,442 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Gadsden, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Birmingham or Gadsden?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Gadsden?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Gadsden as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Birmingham vs Gadsden?
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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