Athletic Trainer Salary

East Orange vs Newark: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between East Orange, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

East Orange, NJ
$76,398
$36.73/hr
Newark, NJ
$80,160
$38.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEast Orange, NJNewark, NJ
Median Salary$76,398$80,160
Hourly Rate$36.73$38.54
Entry Level (P10)$59,036$56,238
25th Percentile$65,244$71,096
75th Percentile$90,378$99,876
Top Earner (P90)$106,537$121,992
Total Employed961
Side-by-side bar chart comparing East Orange ($76,398) and Newark ($80,160) athletic trainer salaries.East OrangeNewarkMedian Salary$76,398$80,160Entry Level (P10)$59,036$56,238Top Earner (P90)$106,537$121,992US Median $65,415

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to East Orange.

The salary gap between East Orange and Newark is $3,762 (4.92%). Newark's median is +22.54% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Orange spans $47,501,Newark spans $65,754. Newark has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

East Orange
P10 (Entry)$59,036
P25$65,244
Median$76,398
P75$90,378
P90 (Top)$106,537
Newark
P10 (Entry)$56,238
P25$71,096
Median$80,160
P75$99,876
P90 (Top)$121,992

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($69,583 effective) pays 4.92% more than East Orange ($66,318 effective).

East Orange
Nominal: $76,398
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $66,318
Newark
Nominal: $80,160
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $69,583

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose East Orange if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($80,160/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($121,992)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,583)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in East Orange grew -5.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.2% growth in Newark over the same period.

East Orange, NJ

+-5.3%

$77,081 (2024) → $73,017 (2025)

Newark, NJ

+-4.2%

$79,952 (2024) → $76,613 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: East Orange or Newark?

Newark has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $80,160/year, compared to East Orange at $76,398/year — a difference of $3,762 (4.92%).

What is the hourly rate difference between East Orange and Newark?

East Orange athletic trainers earn $36.73/hr while Newark hygienists earn $38.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from East Orange to Newark as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing East Orange and Newark. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: East Orange = $66,318, Newark = $69,583), job availability (9 vs 61 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in East Orange vs Newark?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $59,036 in East Orange and $56,238 in Newark. The East Orange 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