Cottonwood Heights vs Salt Lake City: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Cottonwood Heights, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottonwood Heights, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,100 | $69,035▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.33 | $33.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,128 | $63,343▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,324 | $68,679▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,133 | $82,574▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,127▲ | $85,451 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottonwood Heights.
The salary gap between Cottonwood Heights and Salt Lake City is $5,935 (9.41%). Salt Lake City's median is +5.53% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottonwood Heights spans $36,999,Salt Lake City spans $22,108. Cottonwood Heights has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salt Lake City ($68,441 effective) pays 6.40% more than Cottonwood Heights ($64,322 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottonwood Heights if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,127)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,035/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,441)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Cottonwood Heights grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 58.6% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Cottonwood Heights, UT
$50,161 (2024) → $60,308 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$41,590 (2019) → $65,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottonwood Heights, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Cottonwood Heights or Salt Lake City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottonwood Heights and Salt Lake City?
Should I relocate from Cottonwood Heights to Salt Lake City as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Cottonwood Heights vs Salt Lake City?
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