Athletic Trainer Salary

Corvallis vs Pendleton: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Corvallis, OR
$73,367
$35.27/hr
Pendleton, OR
$64,474
$31.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCorvallis, ORPendleton, OR
Median Salary$73,367$64,474
Hourly Rate$35.27$31.00
Entry Level (P10)$54,554$52,703
25th Percentile$66,995$58,081
75th Percentile$73,367$75,209
Top Earner (P90)$88,475$84,108
Total Employed405
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Corvallis ($73,367) and Pendleton ($64,474) athletic trainer salaries.CorvallisPendletonMedian Salary$73,367$64,474Entry Level (P10)$54,554$52,703Top Earner (P90)$88,475$84,108US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Corvallis and Pendleton is $8,893 (13.79%). 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,Pendleton spans $31,405. Corvallis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Corvallis
P10 (Entry)$54,554
P25$66,995
Median$73,367
P75$73,367
P90 (Top)$88,475
Pendleton
P10 (Entry)$52,703
P25$58,081
Median$64,474
P75$75,209
P90 (Top)$84,108

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Corvallis ($70,534 effective) pays 12.24% more than Pendleton ($62,840 effective).

Corvallis
Nominal: $73,367
CoL Index: 104.017
Adjusted: $70,534
Pendleton
Nominal: $64,474
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $62,840

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)
  • Better top-earner potential ($88,475)
  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,534)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Pendleton if…

  • 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 Pendleton over the same period.

Corvallis, OR

+32.2%

$53,030 (2019) → $70,120 (2025)

Pendleton, OR

+0.8%

$61,108 (2024) → $61,621 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Corvallis or Pendleton?

Corvallis has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $73,367/year, compared to Pendleton at $64,474/year — a difference of $8,893 (13.79%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Corvallis and Pendleton?

Corvallis athletic trainers earn $35.27/hr while Pendleton hygienists earn $31.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Corvallis to Pendleton as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Corvallis and Pendleton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Corvallis = $70,534, Pendleton = $62,840), job availability (40 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $54,554 in Corvallis and $52,703 in Pendleton. 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