Denver vs Fort Collins: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Denver, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,570 | $68,054▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.49 | $32.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,115 | $52,300▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,593▲ | $58,109 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,144 | $81,883▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,020▲ | $97,766 |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 44 |
Verdict
Denver and Fort Collins are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Denver and Fort Collins is $484 (0.72%). Fort Collins's median is +4.03% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $67,905,Fort Collins spans $45,466. Denver 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, Fort Collins ($64,813 effective) pays 1.47% more than Denver ($63,877 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,020)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,054/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,813)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Denver grew 31.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.3% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Denver, CO
$49,210 (2019) → $64,580 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$54,500 (2019) → $65,043 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Denver or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Denver to Fort Collins as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Denver vs Fort Collins?
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