Athletic Trainer Salary

Champaign vs Collinsville: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Champaign, IL
$68,428
$32.90/hr
Collinsville, IL
$62,113
$29.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChampaign, ILCollinsville, IL
Median Salary$68,428$62,113
Hourly Rate$32.90$29.86
Entry Level (P10)$46,634$47,850
25th Percentile$52,964$54,034
75th Percentile$69,359$72,539
Top Earner (P90)$92,870$84,297
Total Employed405
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Champaign ($68,428) and Collinsville ($62,113) athletic trainer salaries.ChampaignCollinsvilleMedian Salary$68,428$62,113Entry Level (P10)$46,634$47,850Top Earner (P90)$92,870$84,297US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Champaign and Collinsville is $6,315 (10.17%). 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 Champaign spans $46,236,Collinsville spans $36,447. Champaign has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Champaign
P10 (Entry)$46,634
P25$52,964
Median$68,428
P75$69,359
P90 (Top)$92,870
Collinsville
P10 (Entry)$47,850
P25$54,034
Median$62,113
P75$72,539
P90 (Top)$84,297

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($73,813 effective) pays 15.39% more than Collinsville ($63,968 effective).

Champaign
Nominal: $68,428
CoL Index: 92.704
Adjusted: $73,813
Collinsville
Nominal: $62,113
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $63,968

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Collinsville if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Champaign grew 19.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Collinsville over the same period.

Champaign, IL

+19.8%

$54,570 (2019) → $65,400 (2025)

Collinsville, IL

+7.8%

$55,072 (2024) → $59,364 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Champaign or Collinsville?

Champaign has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $68,428/year, compared to Collinsville at $62,113/year — a difference of $6,315 (10.17%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Collinsville?

Champaign athletic trainers earn $32.90/hr while Collinsville hygienists earn $29.86/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Champaign and Collinsville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Champaign = $73,813, Collinsville = $63,968), job availability (40 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $46,634 in Champaign and $47,850 in Collinsville. The Collinsville 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