Dover vs Middletown: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Dover, DE and Middletown, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, DE | Middletown, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,064▲ | $54,137 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.92▲ | $26.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,279▲ | $43,641 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,716▲ | $48,280 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,575▲ | $62,651 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,127▲ | $71,868 |
| Total Employed | 7▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Dover, DE offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.
The salary gap between Dover and Middletown is $3,927 (7.25%). Dover's median is -11.24% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $33,848,Middletown spans $28,227. Dover 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, Dover ($57,093 effective) pays 7.25% more than Middletown ($53,232 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,064/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,127)
- ✓Larger job market (7 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,093)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Middletown if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Dover grew -8.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.2% growth in Middletown over the same period.
Dover, DE
$60,470 (2024) → $55,495 (2025)
Middletown, DE
$56,379 (2024) → $51,741 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Middletown, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Dover or Middletown?
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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