Athletic Trainer Salary

Corvallis vs Forest Grove: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Corvallis, OR and Forest Grove, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Corvallis, OR
$73,367
$35.27/hr
Forest Grove, OR
$65,527
$31.50/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCorvallis, ORForest Grove, OR
Median Salary$73,367$65,527
Hourly Rate$35.27$31.50
Entry Level (P10)$54,554$50,308
25th Percentile$66,995$56,877
75th Percentile$73,367$76,402
Top Earner (P90)$88,475$88,727
Total Employed404
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Corvallis ($73,367) and Forest Grove ($65,527) athletic trainer salaries.CorvallisForest GroveMedian Salary$73,367$65,527Entry Level (P10)$54,554$50,308Top Earner (P90)$88,475$88,727US Median $65,415

Verdict

Corvallis, OR offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Forest Grove.

The salary gap between Corvallis and Forest Grove is $7,840 (11.96%). Corvallis's median is +12.16% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Corvallis spans $33,921,Forest Grove spans $38,419. Forest Grove has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Corvallis
P10 (Entry)$54,554
P25$66,995
Median$73,367
P75$73,367
P90 (Top)$88,475
Forest Grove
P10 (Entry)$50,308
P25$56,877
Median$65,527
P75$76,402
P90 (Top)$88,727

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Corvallis ($70,534 effective) pays 10.44% more than Forest Grove ($63,866 effective).

Corvallis
Nominal: $73,367
CoL Index: 104.017
Adjusted: $70,534
Forest Grove
Nominal: $65,527
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $63,866

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Corvallis if…

  • Higher median salary ($73,367/year)
  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,534)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Forest Grove if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($88,727)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Corvallis grew 32.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.8% growth in Forest Grove over the same period.

Corvallis, OR

+32.2%

$53,030 (2019) → $70,120 (2025)

Forest Grove, OR

+0.8%

$62,106 (2024) → $62,627 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Corvallis or Forest Grove?

Corvallis has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $73,367/year, compared to Forest Grove at $65,527/year — a difference of $7,840 (11.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Corvallis and Forest Grove?

Corvallis athletic trainers earn $35.27/hr while Forest Grove hygienists earn $31.50/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Corvallis to Forest Grove as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Corvallis and Forest Grove. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Corvallis = $70,534, Forest Grove = $63,866), job availability (40 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Corvallis vs Forest Grove?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $54,554 in Corvallis and $50,308 in Forest Grove. The Corvallis 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