Chapel Hill vs Charlotte: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Chapel Hill, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chapel Hill, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,471 | $59,608▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.11 | $28.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,717 | $49,689▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,115 | $53,361▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,351▲ | $67,518 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,552▲ | $80,544 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chapel Hill.
The salary gap between Chapel Hill and Charlotte is $1,137 (1.94%). Charlotte's median is -8.88% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chapel Hill spans $41,835,Charlotte spans $30,855. Chapel Hill has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chapel Hill ($62,469 effective) pays 2.02% more than Charlotte ($61,232 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chapel Hill if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,552)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,469)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,608/year)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Chapel Hill grew 10.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Chapel Hill, NC
$50,457 (2024) → $55,884 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$47,390 (2019) → $56,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chapel Hill, NC
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Chapel Hill or Charlotte?
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Should I relocate from Chapel Hill to Charlotte as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Chapel Hill vs Charlotte?
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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