Athletic Trainer Salary

Cincinnati vs Wadsworth: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Cincinnati, OH
$64,881
$31.19/hr
Wadsworth, OH
$59,246
$28.48/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCincinnati, OHWadsworth, OH
Median Salary$64,881$59,246
Hourly Rate$31.19$28.48
Entry Level (P10)$52,461$49,124
25th Percentile$55,747$54,016
75th Percentile$69,725$69,673
Top Earner (P90)$81,266$78,410
Total Employed4006
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cincinnati ($64,881) and Wadsworth ($59,246) athletic trainer salaries.CincinnatiWadsworthMedian Salary$64,881$59,246Entry Level (P10)$52,461$49,124Top Earner (P90)$81,266$78,410US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Cincinnati and Wadsworth is $5,635 (9.51%). 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,Wadsworth spans $29,286. Wadsworth 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
Wadsworth
P10 (Entry)$49,124
P25$54,016
Median$59,246
P75$69,673
P90 (Top)$78,410

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($68,031 effective) pays 4.15% more than Wadsworth ($65,321 effective).

Cincinnati
Nominal: $64,881
CoL Index: 95.37
Adjusted: $68,031
Wadsworth
Nominal: $59,246
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $65,321

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)
  • Better top-earner potential ($81,266)
  • Larger job market (400 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,031)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Wadsworth if…

  • 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 Wadsworth over the same period.

Cincinnati, OH

+25.7%

$49,340 (2019) → $62,010 (2025)

Wadsworth, OH

+20.9%

$46,826 (2024) → $56,624 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Cincinnati or Wadsworth?

Cincinnati has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $64,881/year, compared to Wadsworth at $59,246/year — a difference of $5,635 (9.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Wadsworth?

Cincinnati athletic trainers earn $31.19/hr while Wadsworth hygienists earn $28.48/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cincinnati and Wadsworth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cincinnati = $68,031, Wadsworth = $65,321), job availability (400 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,461 in Cincinnati and $49,124 in Wadsworth. 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