Charleston vs Hilton Head Island: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Charleston, SC and Hilton Head Island, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Hilton Head Island, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,593▲ | $60,456 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.54▲ | $29.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,577▲ | $48,162 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,412▲ | $53,766 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,705 | $71,742▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,460 | $83,916▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilton Head Island.
The salary gap between Charleston and Hilton Head Island is $5,137 (8.50%). Charleston's median is +0.27% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $27,883,Hilton Head Island spans $35,754. Hilton Head Island 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, Hilton Head Island ($66,072 effective) pays 1.70% more than Charleston ($64,968 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,593/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Hilton Head Island if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,916)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,072)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Charleston grew 33.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in Hilton Head Island over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$46,940 (2019) → $62,690 (2025)
Hilton Head Island, SC
$48,270 (2021) → $57,781 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Charleston or Hilton Head Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Hilton Head Island?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Hilton Head Island as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Charleston vs Hilton Head Island?
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