Boulder vs Castle Rock: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Boulder, CO and Castle Rock, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Castle Rock, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,125▲ | $67,659 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.75▲ | $32.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,712▲ | $54,275 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,874 | $60,964▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,207 | $79,163▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,158 | $92,889▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Castle Rock.
The salary gap between Boulder and Castle Rock is $466 (0.69%). Boulder's median is +4.14% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $25,446,Castle Rock spans $38,614. Castle Rock 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, Boulder ($64,756 effective) pays 0.50% more than Castle Rock ($64,437 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,125/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,756)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Castle Rock if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,889)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Boulder grew 9.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Castle Rock over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$59,540 (2021) → $65,110 (2025)
Castle Rock, CO
$59,990 (2024) → $64,665 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Castle Rock, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Boulder or Castle Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Castle Rock?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Castle Rock as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Boulder vs Castle Rock?
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