Athletic Trainer Salary

Cincinnati vs Hilliard: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Hilliard, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cincinnati, OH
$64,881
$31.19/hr
Hilliard, OH
$60,828
$29.24/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCincinnati, OHHilliard, OH
Median Salary$64,881$60,828
Hourly Rate$31.19$29.24
Entry Level (P10)$52,461$48,378
25th Percentile$55,747$52,875
75th Percentile$69,725$70,998
Top Earner (P90)$81,266$82,487
Total Employed4009
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cincinnati ($64,881) and Hilliard ($60,828) athletic trainer salaries.CincinnatiHilliardMedian Salary$64,881$60,828Entry Level (P10)$52,461$48,378Top Earner (P90)$81,266$82,487US Median $65,415

Verdict

Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilliard.

The salary gap between Cincinnati and Hilliard is $4,053 (6.66%). Cincinnati's median is -0.82% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $28,805,Hilliard spans $34,109. Hilliard has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Cincinnati
P10 (Entry)$52,461
P25$55,747
Median$64,881
P75$69,725
P90 (Top)$81,266
Hilliard
P10 (Entry)$48,378
P25$52,875
Median$60,828
P75$70,998
P90 (Top)$82,487

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($68,031 effective) pays 1.44% more than Hilliard ($67,065 effective).

Cincinnati
Nominal: $64,881
CoL Index: 95.37
Adjusted: $68,031
Hilliard
Nominal: $60,828
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $67,065

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cincinnati if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,881/year)
  • Larger job market (400 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,031)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Hilliard if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($82,487)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Cincinnati grew 25.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.9% growth in Hilliard over the same period.

Cincinnati, OH

+25.7%

$49,340 (2019) → $62,010 (2025)

Hilliard, OH

+20.9%

$48,076 (2024) → $58,136 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Cincinnati or Hilliard?

Cincinnati has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $64,881/year, compared to Hilliard at $60,828/year — a difference of $4,053 (6.66%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Hilliard?

Cincinnati athletic trainers earn $31.19/hr while Hilliard hygienists earn $29.24/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Hilliard as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cincinnati and Hilliard. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cincinnati = $68,031, Hilliard = $67,065), job availability (400 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Cincinnati vs Hilliard?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,461 in Cincinnati and $48,378 in Hilliard. The Cincinnati 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