Athletic Trainer Salary

Conway vs Jonesboro: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Conway, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Conway, AR
$58,106
$27.94/hr
Jonesboro, AR
$57,625
$27.71/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricConway, ARJonesboro, AR
Median Salary$58,106$57,625
Hourly Rate$27.94$27.71
Entry Level (P10)$45,340$44,522
25th Percentile$51,224$50,468
75th Percentile$69,157$69,426
Top Earner (P90)$81,429$82,452
Total Employed1421
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Conway ($58,106) and Jonesboro ($57,625) athletic trainer salaries.ConwayJonesboroMedian Salary$58,106$57,625Entry Level (P10)$45,340$44,522Top Earner (P90)$81,429$82,452US Median $65,415

Verdict

Conway and Jonesboro are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Conway and Jonesboro is $481 (0.83%). Conway's median is -11.17% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Conway spans $36,089,Jonesboro spans $37,930. Jonesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Conway
P10 (Entry)$45,340
P25$51,224
Median$58,106
P75$69,157
P90 (Top)$81,429
Jonesboro
P10 (Entry)$44,522
P25$50,468
Median$57,625
P75$69,426
P90 (Top)$82,452

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Conway ($66,865 effective) pays 0.83% more than Jonesboro ($66,312 effective).

Conway
Nominal: $58,106
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $66,865
Jonesboro
Nominal: $57,625
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $66,312

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Conway if…

  • Higher median salary ($58,106/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,865)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Choose Jonesboro if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($82,452)
  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Conway grew 37.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.

Conway, AR

+37.4%

$40,418 (2024) → $55,535 (2025)

Jonesboro, AR

+30.3%

$42,284 (2024) → $55,075 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Conway or Jonesboro?

Conway has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $58,106/year, compared to Jonesboro at $57,625/year — a difference of $481 (0.83%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Conway and Jonesboro?

Conway athletic trainers earn $27.94/hr while Jonesboro hygienists earn $27.71/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Conway to Jonesboro as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Conway and Jonesboro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Conway = $66,865, Jonesboro = $66,312), job availability (14 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Conway vs Jonesboro?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $45,340 in Conway and $44,522 in Jonesboro. The Conway area offers higher starting salaries.
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