Athletic Trainer Salary

Cincinnati vs Marion: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Cincinnati, OH
$64,881
$31.19/hr
Marion, OH
$61,216
$29.43/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCincinnati, OHMarion, OH
Median Salary$64,881$61,216
Hourly Rate$31.19$29.43
Entry Level (P10)$52,461$49,511
25th Percentile$55,747$55,039
75th Percentile$69,725$71,926
Top Earner (P90)$81,266$83,565
Total Employed4007
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cincinnati ($64,881) and Marion ($61,216) athletic trainer salaries.CincinnatiMarionMedian Salary$64,881$61,216Entry Level (P10)$52,461$49,511Top Earner (P90)$81,266$83,565US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Cincinnati and Marion is $3,665 (5.99%). 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,Marion spans $34,054. Marion 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
Marion
P10 (Entry)$49,511
P25$55,039
Median$61,216
P75$71,926
P90 (Top)$83,565

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($68,031 effective) pays 0.80% more than Marion ($67,493 effective).

Cincinnati
Nominal: $64,881
CoL Index: 95.37
Adjusted: $68,031
Marion
Nominal: $61,216
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $67,493

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 Marion if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($83,565)
  • 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 Marion over the same period.

Cincinnati, OH

+25.7%

$49,340 (2019) → $62,010 (2025)

Marion, OH

+20.9%

$48,383 (2024) → $58,507 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Cincinnati or Marion?

Cincinnati has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $64,881/year, compared to Marion at $61,216/year — a difference of $3,665 (5.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Marion?

Cincinnati athletic trainers earn $31.19/hr while Marion hygienists earn $29.43/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cincinnati and Marion. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cincinnati = $68,031, Marion = $67,493), job availability (400 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,461 in Cincinnati and $49,511 in Marion. 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