Columbia vs Goose Creek: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Columbia, SC and Goose Creek, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Goose Creek, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,863▲ | $58,444 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.27▲ | $28.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,356 | $48,094▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,956▲ | $51,812 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,579▲ | $69,194 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,705 | $80,861▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Goose Creek.
The salary gap between Columbia and Goose Creek is $2,419 (4.14%). Columbia's median is -6.96% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $22,349,Goose Creek spans $32,767. Goose Creek has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($64,982 effective) pays 1.74% more than Goose Creek ($63,873 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,863/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,982)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Goose Creek if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,861)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Columbia grew 24.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.3% growth in Goose Creek over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$46,610 (2019) → $58,170 (2025)
Goose Creek, SC
$45,689 (2024) → $55,858 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Goose Creek, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Columbia or Goose Creek?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Goose Creek?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Goose Creek as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Columbia vs Goose Creek?
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.
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