Athletic Trainer Salary

Dunedin vs Tampa: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Dunedin, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dunedin, FL
$60,863
$29.27/hr
Tampa, FL
$63,249
$30.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDunedin, FLTampa, FL
Median Salary$60,863$63,249
Hourly Rate$29.27$30.41
Entry Level (P10)$49,634$52,043
25th Percentile$55,166$55,559
75th Percentile$71,920$67,811
Top Earner (P90)$83,981$100,058
Total Employed6170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dunedin ($60,863) and Tampa ($63,249) athletic trainer salaries.DunedinTampaMedian Salary$60,863$63,249Entry Level (P10)$49,634$52,043Top Earner (P90)$83,981$100,058US Median $65,415

Verdict

Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dunedin.

The salary gap between Dunedin and Tampa is $2,386 (3.92%). Tampa's median is -3.31% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dunedin spans $34,347,Tampa spans $48,015. Tampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Dunedin
P10 (Entry)$49,634
P25$55,166
Median$60,863
P75$71,920
P90 (Top)$83,981
Tampa
P10 (Entry)$52,043
P25$55,559
Median$63,249
P75$67,811
P90 (Top)$100,058

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($62,691 effective) pays 3.83% more than Dunedin ($60,380 effective).

Dunedin
Nominal: $60,863
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $60,380
Tampa
Nominal: $63,249
CoL Index: 100.89
Adjusted: $62,691

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dunedin if…

  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Tampa if…

  • Higher median salary ($63,249/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($100,058)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,691)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Dunedin grew 7.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.9% growth in Tampa over the same period.

Dunedin, FL

+7.5%

$54,100 (2024) → $58,170 (2025)

Tampa, FL

+31.9%

$45,820 (2019) → $60,450 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Dunedin or Tampa?

Tampa has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $63,249/year, compared to Dunedin at $60,863/year — a difference of $2,386 (3.92%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dunedin and Tampa?

Dunedin athletic trainers earn $29.27/hr while Tampa hygienists earn $30.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dunedin to Tampa as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dunedin and Tampa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dunedin = $60,380, Tampa = $62,691), job availability (6 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Dunedin vs Tampa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $49,634 in Dunedin and $52,043 in Tampa. The Tampa 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