Athletic Trainer Salary

Dover vs Nashua: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Dover, NH and Nashua, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dover, NH
$67,869
$32.63/hr
Nashua, NH
$61,431
$29.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDover, NHNashua, NH
Median Salary$67,869$61,431
Hourly Rate$32.63$29.54
Entry Level (P10)$56,621$45,804
25th Percentile$62,244$52,557
75th Percentile$78,460$72,861
Top Earner (P90)$90,457$85,667
Total Employed521
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dover ($67,869) and Nashua ($61,431) athletic trainer salaries.DoverNashuaMedian Salary$67,869$61,431Entry Level (P10)$56,621$45,804Top Earner (P90)$90,457$85,667US Median $65,415

Verdict

Dover, NH offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Nashua.

The salary gap between Dover and Nashua is $6,438 (10.48%). Dover's median is +3.75% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $33,836,Nashua spans $39,863. Nashua has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Dover
P10 (Entry)$56,621
P25$62,244
Median$67,869
P75$78,460
P90 (Top)$90,457
Nashua
P10 (Entry)$45,804
P25$52,557
Median$61,431
P75$72,861
P90 (Top)$85,667

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dover ($63,252 effective) pays 10.48% more than Nashua ($57,252 effective).

Dover
Nominal: $67,869
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $63,252
Nashua
Nominal: $61,431
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $57,252

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 ($67,869/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($90,457)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,252)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Nashua if…

  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Dover grew 7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.4% growth in Nashua over the same period.

Dover, NH

+7.8%

$60,176 (2024) → $64,866 (2025)

Nashua, NH

+-5.4%

$62,048 (2024) → $58,713 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Dover or Nashua?

Dover has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $67,869/year, compared to Nashua at $61,431/year — a difference of $6,438 (10.48%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dover and Nashua?

Dover athletic trainers earn $32.63/hr while Nashua hygienists earn $29.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dover to Nashua as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dover and Nashua. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dover = $63,252, Nashua = $57,252), job availability (5 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Dover vs Nashua?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $56,621 in Dover and $45,804 in Nashua. The Dover 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