Athletic Trainer Salary

Cleveland vs Tiffin: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Cleveland, OH
$64,661
$31.09/hr
Tiffin, OH
$59,294
$28.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCleveland, OHTiffin, OH
Median Salary$64,661$59,294
Hourly Rate$31.09$28.51
Entry Level (P10)$52,305$49,503
25th Percentile$61,470$54,119
75th Percentile$71,902$68,614
Top Earner (P90)$80,973$78,420
Total Employed4306
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cleveland ($64,661) and Tiffin ($59,294) athletic trainer salaries.ClevelandTiffinMedian Salary$64,661$59,294Entry Level (P10)$52,305$49,503Top Earner (P90)$80,973$78,420US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Cleveland and Tiffin is $5,367 (9.05%). 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,Tiffin spans $28,917. Tiffin 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
Tiffin
P10 (Entry)$49,503
P25$54,119
Median$59,294
P75$68,614
P90 (Top)$78,420

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($68,845 effective) pays 5.31% more than Tiffin ($65,374 effective).

Cleveland
Nominal: $64,661
CoL Index: 93.923
Adjusted: $68,845
Tiffin
Nominal: $59,294
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $65,374

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)
  • Better top-earner potential ($80,973)
  • Larger job market (430 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,845)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Tiffin if…

  • 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 Tiffin over the same period.

Cleveland, OH

+22.9%

$50,270 (2019) → $61,800 (2025)

Tiffin, OH

+20.9%

$46,864 (2024) → $56,670 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Cleveland or Tiffin?

Cleveland has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $64,661/year, compared to Tiffin at $59,294/year — a difference of $5,367 (9.05%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Tiffin?

Cleveland athletic trainers earn $31.09/hr while Tiffin hygienists earn $28.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cleveland to Tiffin as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cleveland and Tiffin. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cleveland = $68,845, Tiffin = $65,374), job availability (430 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,305 in Cleveland and $49,503 in Tiffin. 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