Athletic Trainer Salary

Boulder vs Longmont: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Boulder, CO and Longmont, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boulder, CO
$68,125
$32.75/hr
Longmont, CO
$67,615
$32.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoulder, COLongmont, CO
Median Salary$68,125$67,615
Hourly Rate$32.75$32.51
Entry Level (P10)$59,712$54,447
25th Percentile$60,874$60,873
75th Percentile$70,207$81,637
Top Earner (P90)$85,158$97,037
Total Employed5015
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boulder ($68,125) and Longmont ($67,615) athletic trainer salaries.BoulderLongmontMedian Salary$68,125$67,615Entry Level (P10)$59,712$54,447Top Earner (P90)$85,158$97,037US Median $65,415

Verdict

Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Longmont.

The salary gap between Boulder and Longmont is $510 (0.75%). 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,Longmont spans $42,590. Longmont has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Boulder
P10 (Entry)$59,712
P25$60,874
Median$68,125
P75$70,207
P90 (Top)$85,158
Longmont
P10 (Entry)$54,447
P25$60,873
Median$67,615
P75$81,637
P90 (Top)$97,037

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($64,756 effective) pays 0.56% more than Longmont ($64,395 effective).

Boulder
Nominal: $68,125
CoL Index: 105.202
Adjusted: $64,756
Longmont
Nominal: $67,615
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $64,395

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 Longmont if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($97,037)
  • 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 Longmont over the same period.

Boulder, CO

+9.4%

$59,540 (2021) → $65,110 (2025)

Longmont, CO

+7.8%

$59,951 (2024) → $64,623 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Boulder or Longmont?

Boulder has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $68,125/year, compared to Longmont at $67,615/year — a difference of $510 (0.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Longmont?

Boulder athletic trainers earn $32.75/hr while Longmont hygienists earn $32.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boulder to Longmont as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boulder and Longmont. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boulder = $64,756, Longmont = $64,395), job availability (50 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Boulder vs Longmont?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $59,712 in Boulder and $54,447 in Longmont. The Boulder 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