Athletic Trainer Salary

Burlington vs Colchester: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Burlington, VT and Colchester, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Burlington, VT
$67,183
$32.30/hr
Colchester, VT
$62,672
$30.13/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBurlington, VTColchester, VT
Median Salary$67,183$62,672
Hourly Rate$32.30$30.13
Entry Level (P10)$58,603$52,391
25th Percentile$59,503$57,450
75th Percentile$77,939$73,994
Top Earner (P90)$85,985$85,565
Total Employed604
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Burlington ($67,183) and Colchester ($62,672) athletic trainer salaries.BurlingtonColchesterMedian Salary$67,183$62,672Entry Level (P10)$58,603$52,391Top Earner (P90)$85,985$85,565US Median $65,415

Verdict

Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Colchester.

The salary gap between Burlington and Colchester is $4,511 (7.20%). Burlington's median is +2.70% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $27,382,Colchester spans $33,174. Colchester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Burlington
P10 (Entry)$58,603
P25$59,503
Median$67,183
P75$77,939
P90 (Top)$85,985
Colchester
P10 (Entry)$52,391
P25$57,450
Median$62,672
P75$73,994
P90 (Top)$85,565

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($66,551 effective) pays 9.91% more than Colchester ($60,553 effective).

Burlington
Nominal: $67,183
CoL Index: 100.949
Adjusted: $66,551
Colchester
Nominal: $62,672
CoL Index: 103.5
Adjusted: $60,553

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Burlington if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,183/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($85,985)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,551)
  • You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle

Choose Colchester if…

  • You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Burlington grew 27.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Colchester over the same period.

Burlington, VT

+27.8%

$50,240 (2019) → $64,210 (2025)

Colchester, VT

+15.8%

$51,736 (2024) → $59,899 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Burlington or Colchester?

Burlington has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $67,183/year, compared to Colchester at $62,672/year — a difference of $4,511 (7.20%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Colchester?

Burlington athletic trainers earn $32.30/hr while Colchester hygienists earn $30.13/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Burlington to Colchester as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Burlington and Colchester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Burlington = $66,551, Colchester = $60,553), job availability (60 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Burlington vs Colchester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $58,603 in Burlington and $52,391 in Colchester. The Burlington 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