Athletic Trainer Salary

Charleston vs Mauldin: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Charleston, SC and Mauldin, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Charleston, SC
$65,593
$31.54/hr
Mauldin, SC
$59,913
$28.80/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCharleston, SCMauldin, SC
Median Salary$65,593$59,913
Hourly Rate$31.54$28.80
Entry Level (P10)$52,577$46,821
25th Percentile$62,412$54,930
75th Percentile$69,705$69,245
Top Earner (P90)$80,460$79,824
Total Employed1006
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Charleston ($65,593) and Mauldin ($59,913) athletic trainer salaries.CharlestonMauldinMedian Salary$65,593$59,913Entry Level (P10)$52,577$46,821Top Earner (P90)$80,460$79,824US Median $65,415

Verdict

Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mauldin.

The salary gap between Charleston and Mauldin is $5,680 (9.48%). 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,Mauldin spans $33,003. Mauldin has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Charleston
P10 (Entry)$52,577
P25$62,412
Median$65,593
P75$69,705
P90 (Top)$80,460
Mauldin
P10 (Entry)$46,821
P25$54,930
Median$59,913
P75$69,245
P90 (Top)$79,824

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mauldin ($65,479 effective) pays 0.79% more than Charleston ($64,968 effective).

Charleston
Nominal: $65,593
CoL Index: 100.962
Adjusted: $64,968
Mauldin
Nominal: $59,913
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $65,479

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)
  • Better top-earner potential ($80,460)
  • Larger job market (100 employed)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Mauldin if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,479)
  • 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 22.3% growth in Mauldin over the same period.

Charleston, SC

+33.6%

$46,940 (2019) → $62,690 (2025)

Mauldin, SC

+22.3%

$46,838 (2024) → $57,262 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Charleston or Mauldin?

Charleston has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $65,593/year, compared to Mauldin at $59,913/year — a difference of $5,680 (9.48%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Mauldin?

Charleston athletic trainers earn $31.54/hr while Mauldin hygienists earn $28.80/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Charleston to Mauldin as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Charleston and Mauldin. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Charleston = $64,968, Mauldin = $65,479), job availability (100 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Charleston vs Mauldin?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,577 in Charleston and $46,821 in Mauldin. The Charleston 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