Athletic Trainer Salary

Dracut vs Worcester: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Dracut, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dracut, MA
$67,983
$32.69/hr
Worcester, MA
$63,845
$30.70/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDracut, MAWorcester, MA
Median Salary$67,983$63,845
Hourly Rate$32.69$30.70
Entry Level (P10)$55,665$51,760
25th Percentile$61,574$58,185
75th Percentile$80,391$79,268
Top Earner (P90)$93,563$94,554
Total Employed660
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dracut ($67,983) and Worcester ($63,845) athletic trainer salaries.DracutWorcesterMedian Salary$67,983$63,845Entry Level (P10)$55,665$51,760Top Earner (P90)$93,563$94,554US Median $65,415

Verdict

Dracut and Worcester are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Dracut and Worcester is $4,138 (6.48%). Dracut's median is +3.93% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dracut spans $37,898,Worcester spans $42,794. Worcester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Dracut
P10 (Entry)$55,665
P25$61,574
Median$67,983
P75$80,391
P90 (Top)$93,563
Worcester
P10 (Entry)$51,760
P25$58,185
Median$63,845
P75$79,268
P90 (Top)$94,554

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dracut ($62,657 effective) pays 0.62% more than Worcester ($62,274 effective).

Dracut
Nominal: $67,983
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $62,657
Worcester
Nominal: $63,845
CoL Index: 102.523
Adjusted: $62,274

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dracut if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,983/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,657)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Worcester if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($94,554)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Dracut grew -8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.7% growth in Worcester over the same period.

Dracut, MA

+-8.1%

$70,671 (2024) → $64,975 (2025)

Worcester, MA

+25.7%

$48,560 (2019) → $61,020 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Dracut or Worcester?

Dracut has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $67,983/year, compared to Worcester at $63,845/year — a difference of $4,138 (6.48%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dracut and Worcester?

Dracut athletic trainers earn $32.69/hr while Worcester hygienists earn $30.70/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dracut to Worcester as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dracut and Worcester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dracut = $62,657, Worcester = $62,274), job availability (6 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Dracut vs Worcester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $55,665 in Dracut and $51,760 in Worcester. The Dracut 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