Athletic Trainer Salary

Denver vs Northglenn: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Denver, CO and Northglenn, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Denver, CO
$67,570
$32.49/hr
Northglenn, CO
$65,151
$31.33/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDenver, CONorthglenn, CO
Median Salary$67,570$65,151
Hourly Rate$32.49$31.33
Entry Level (P10)$40,115$52,315
25th Percentile$58,593$58,245
75th Percentile$77,144$77,608
Top Earner (P90)$108,020$90,918
Total Employed1609
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Denver ($67,570) and Northglenn ($65,151) athletic trainer salaries.DenverNorthglennMedian Salary$67,570$65,151Entry Level (P10)$40,115$52,315Top Earner (P90)$108,020$90,918US Median $65,415

Verdict

Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Northglenn.

The salary gap between Denver and Northglenn is $2,419 (3.71%). Denver's median is +3.29% 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,Northglenn spans $38,603. Denver has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Denver
P10 (Entry)$40,115
P25$58,593
Median$67,570
P75$77,144
P90 (Top)$108,020
Northglenn
P10 (Entry)$52,315
P25$58,245
Median$65,151
P75$77,608
P90 (Top)$90,918

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($63,877 effective) pays 2.95% more than Northglenn ($62,049 effective).

Denver
Nominal: $67,570
CoL Index: 105.782
Adjusted: $63,877
Northglenn
Nominal: $65,151
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $62,049

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Denver if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,570/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($108,020)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,877)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Northglenn if…

  • 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 7.8% growth in Northglenn over the same period.

Denver, CO

+31.2%

$49,210 (2019) → $64,580 (2025)

Northglenn, CO

+7.8%

$57,766 (2024) → $62,268 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Denver or Northglenn?

Denver has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $67,570/year, compared to Northglenn at $65,151/year — a difference of $2,419 (3.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Northglenn?

Denver athletic trainers earn $32.49/hr while Northglenn hygienists earn $31.33/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Denver to Northglenn as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Denver and Northglenn. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Denver = $63,877, Northglenn = $62,049), job availability (160 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Denver vs Northglenn?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $40,115 in Denver and $52,315 in Northglenn. The Northglenn 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