Athletic Trainer Salary

Cincinnati vs Oxford: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Cincinnati, OH
$64,881
$31.19/hr
Oxford, OH
$60,637
$29.15/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCincinnati, OHOxford, OH
Median Salary$64,881$60,637
Hourly Rate$31.19$29.15
Entry Level (P10)$52,461$47,693
25th Percentile$55,747$57,014
75th Percentile$69,725$69,452
Top Earner (P90)$81,266$82,732
Total Employed4006
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cincinnati ($64,881) and Oxford ($60,637) athletic trainer salaries.CincinnatiOxfordMedian Salary$64,881$60,637Entry Level (P10)$52,461$47,693Top Earner (P90)$81,266$82,732US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Cincinnati and Oxford is $4,244 (7.00%). 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,Oxford spans $35,039. Oxford 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
Oxford
P10 (Entry)$47,693
P25$57,014
Median$60,637
P75$69,452
P90 (Top)$82,732

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($68,031 effective) pays 1.76% more than Oxford ($66,854 effective).

Cincinnati
Nominal: $64,881
CoL Index: 95.37
Adjusted: $68,031
Oxford
Nominal: $60,637
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $66,854

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 Oxford if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($82,732)
  • 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 Oxford over the same period.

Cincinnati, OH

+25.7%

$49,340 (2019) → $62,010 (2025)

Oxford, OH

+20.9%

$47,926 (2024) → $57,954 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Cincinnati or Oxford?

Cincinnati has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $64,881/year, compared to Oxford at $60,637/year — a difference of $4,244 (7.00%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Oxford?

Cincinnati athletic trainers earn $31.19/hr while Oxford hygienists earn $29.15/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cincinnati and Oxford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cincinnati = $68,031, Oxford = $66,854), job availability (400 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,461 in Cincinnati and $47,693 in Oxford. 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