Athletic Trainer Salary

Cleveland vs North Ridgeville: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Cleveland, OH and North Ridgeville, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cleveland, OH
$64,661
$31.09/hr
North Ridgeville, OH
$63,211
$30.40/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCleveland, OHNorth Ridgeville, OH
Median Salary$64,661$63,211
Hourly Rate$31.09$30.40
Entry Level (P10)$52,305$49,314
25th Percentile$61,470$55,446
75th Percentile$71,902$74,264
Top Earner (P90)$80,973$84,277
Total Employed4308
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cleveland ($64,661) and North Ridgeville ($63,211) athletic trainer salaries.ClevelandNorth RidgevilleMedian Salary$64,661$63,211Entry Level (P10)$52,305$49,314Top Earner (P90)$80,973$84,277US Median $65,415

Verdict

Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to North Ridgeville.

The salary gap between Cleveland and North Ridgeville is $1,450 (2.29%). Cleveland's median is -1.15% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $28,668,North Ridgeville spans $34,963. North Ridgeville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Cleveland
P10 (Entry)$52,305
P25$61,470
Median$64,661
P75$71,902
P90 (Top)$80,973
North Ridgeville
P10 (Entry)$49,314
P25$55,446
Median$63,211
P75$74,264
P90 (Top)$84,277

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, North Ridgeville ($69,692 effective) pays 1.23% more than Cleveland ($68,845 effective).

Cleveland
Nominal: $64,661
CoL Index: 93.923
Adjusted: $68,845
North Ridgeville
Nominal: $63,211
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $69,692

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cleveland if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,661/year)
  • Larger job market (430 employed)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose North Ridgeville if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($84,277)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,692)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Cleveland grew 22.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.9% growth in North Ridgeville over the same period.

Cleveland, OH

+22.9%

$50,270 (2019) → $61,800 (2025)

North Ridgeville, OH

+20.9%

$49,960 (2024) → $60,414 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Cleveland or North Ridgeville?

Cleveland has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $64,661/year, compared to North Ridgeville at $63,211/year — a difference of $1,450 (2.29%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and North Ridgeville?

Cleveland athletic trainers earn $31.09/hr while North Ridgeville hygienists earn $30.40/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cleveland to North Ridgeville as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cleveland and North Ridgeville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cleveland = $68,845, North Ridgeville = $69,692), job availability (430 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Cleveland vs North Ridgeville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,305 in Cleveland and $49,314 in North Ridgeville. The Cleveland 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