Athletic Trainer Salary

Detroit vs Port Huron: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Detroit, MI and Port Huron, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Detroit, MI
$62,182
$29.89/hr
Port Huron, MI
$60,233
$28.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MIPort Huron, MI
Median Salary$62,182$60,233
Hourly Rate$29.89$28.96
Entry Level (P10)$52,294$47,436
25th Percentile$58,415$53,163
75th Percentile$68,784$71,176
Top Earner (P90)$69,694$80,681
Total Employed3006
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($62,182) and Port Huron ($60,233) athletic trainer salaries.DetroitPort HuronMedian Salary$62,182$60,233Entry Level (P10)$52,294$47,436Top Earner (P90)$69,694$80,681US Median $65,415

Verdict

Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Port Huron.

The salary gap between Detroit and Port Huron is $1,949 (3.24%). Detroit's median is -4.94% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $17,400,Port Huron spans $33,245. Port Huron has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Detroit
P10 (Entry)$52,294
P25$58,415
Median$62,182
P75$68,784
P90 (Top)$69,694
Port Huron
P10 (Entry)$47,436
P25$53,163
Median$60,233
P75$71,176
P90 (Top)$80,681

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Port Huron ($64,628 effective) pays 4.24% more than Detroit ($61,997 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $62,182
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $61,997
Port Huron
Nominal: $60,233
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $64,628

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Detroit if…

  • Higher median salary ($62,182/year)
  • Larger job market (300 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Port Huron if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($80,681)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,628)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Detroit grew 42.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.6% growth in Port Huron over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+42.1%

$41,810 (2019) → $59,430 (2025)

Port Huron, MI

+11.6%

$51,564 (2024) → $57,568 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Detroit or Port Huron?

Detroit has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $62,182/year, compared to Port Huron at $60,233/year — a difference of $1,949 (3.24%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Port Huron?

Detroit athletic trainers earn $29.89/hr while Port Huron hygienists earn $28.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Detroit to Port Huron as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Port Huron. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $61,997, Port Huron = $64,628), job availability (300 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Detroit vs Port Huron?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,294 in Detroit and $47,436 in Port Huron. The Detroit area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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