Athletic Trainer Salary

Denver vs Windsor: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Denver, CO
$67,570
$32.49/hr
Windsor, CO
$67,790
$32.59/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDenver, COWindsor, CO
Median Salary$67,570$67,790
Hourly Rate$32.49$32.59
Entry Level (P10)$40,115$52,985
25th Percentile$58,593$59,746
75th Percentile$77,144$79,918
Top Earner (P90)$108,020$93,234
Total Employed1606
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Denver ($67,570) and Windsor ($67,790) athletic trainer salaries.DenverWindsorMedian Salary$67,570$67,790Entry Level (P10)$40,115$52,985Top Earner (P90)$108,020$93,234US Median $65,415

Verdict

Denver and Windsor are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Denver and Windsor is $220 (0.33%). Windsor's median is +3.63% 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,Windsor spans $40,249. 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
Windsor
P10 (Entry)$52,985
P25$59,746
Median$67,790
P75$79,918
P90 (Top)$93,234

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Windsor ($64,562 effective) pays 1.07% more than Denver ($63,877 effective).

Denver
Nominal: $67,570
CoL Index: 105.782
Adjusted: $63,877
Windsor
Nominal: $67,790
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $64,562

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 Windsor if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,790/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,562)
  • 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 Windsor over the same period.

Denver, CO

+31.2%

$49,210 (2019) → $64,580 (2025)

Windsor, CO

+7.8%

$60,106 (2024) → $64,790 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Denver or Windsor?

Windsor has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $67,790/year, compared to Denver at $67,570/year — a difference of $220 (0.33%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Windsor?

Denver athletic trainers earn $32.49/hr while Windsor hygienists earn $32.59/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Denver and Windsor. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Denver = $63,877, Windsor = $64,562), job availability (160 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $40,115 in Denver and $52,985 in Windsor. The Windsor 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