Athletic Trainer Salary

Cincinnati vs Newark: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Cincinnati, OH
$64,881
$31.19/hr
Newark, OH
$61,176
$29.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCincinnati, OHNewark, OH
Median Salary$64,881$61,176
Hourly Rate$31.19$29.41
Entry Level (P10)$52,461$49,478
25th Percentile$55,747$54,955
75th Percentile$69,725$71,810
Top Earner (P90)$81,266$83,624
Total Employed40010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cincinnati ($64,881) and Newark ($61,176) athletic trainer salaries.CincinnatiNewarkMedian Salary$64,881$61,176Entry Level (P10)$52,461$49,478Top Earner (P90)$81,266$83,624US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Cincinnati and Newark is $3,705 (6.06%). 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,Newark spans $34,146. Newark 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
Newark
P10 (Entry)$49,478
P25$54,955
Median$61,176
P75$71,810
P90 (Top)$83,624

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($68,031 effective) pays 0.86% more than Newark ($67,449 effective).

Cincinnati
Nominal: $64,881
CoL Index: 95.37
Adjusted: $68,031
Newark
Nominal: $61,176
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $67,449

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 Newark if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($83,624)
  • 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 Newark over the same period.

Cincinnati, OH

+25.7%

$49,340 (2019) → $62,010 (2025)

Newark, OH

+20.9%

$48,352 (2024) → $58,469 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Cincinnati or Newark?

Cincinnati has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $64,881/year, compared to Newark at $61,176/year — a difference of $3,705 (6.06%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Newark?

Cincinnati athletic trainers earn $31.19/hr while Newark hygienists earn $29.41/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cincinnati and Newark. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cincinnati = $68,031, Newark = $67,449), job availability (400 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,461 in Cincinnati and $49,478 in Newark. 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