Athletic Trainer Salary

Edmond vs Tahlequah: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Edmond, OK and Tahlequah, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Edmond, OK
$56,133
$26.98/hr
Tahlequah, OK
$55,825
$26.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEdmond, OKTahlequah, OK
Median Salary$56,133$55,825
Hourly Rate$26.98$26.84
Entry Level (P10)$41,825$45,626
25th Percentile$48,002$50,240
75th Percentile$66,469$65,032
Top Earner (P90)$78,386$72,884
Total Employed254
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Edmond ($56,133) and Tahlequah ($55,825) athletic trainer salaries.EdmondTahlequahMedian Salary$56,133$55,825Entry Level (P10)$41,825$45,626Top Earner (P90)$78,386$72,884US Median $65,415

Verdict

Edmond, OK offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tahlequah.

The salary gap between Edmond and Tahlequah is $308 (0.55%). Edmond's median is -14.19% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Edmond spans $36,561,Tahlequah spans $27,258. Edmond has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Edmond
P10 (Entry)$41,825
P25$48,002
Median$56,133
P75$66,469
P90 (Top)$78,386
Tahlequah
P10 (Entry)$45,626
P25$50,240
Median$55,825
P75$65,032
P90 (Top)$72,884

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Edmond ($63,142 effective) pays 0.55% more than Tahlequah ($62,795 effective).

Edmond
Nominal: $56,133
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $63,142
Tahlequah
Nominal: $55,825
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $62,795

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Edmond if…

  • Higher median salary ($56,133/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($78,386)
  • Larger job market (25 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,142)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Tahlequah if…

  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Edmond grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Tahlequah over the same period.

Edmond, OK

+20.2%

$44,622 (2024) → $53,649 (2025)

Tahlequah, OK

+20.2%

$44,377 (2024) → $53,355 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Edmond or Tahlequah?

Edmond has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $56,133/year, compared to Tahlequah at $55,825/year — a difference of $308 (0.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Edmond and Tahlequah?

Edmond athletic trainers earn $26.98/hr while Tahlequah hygienists earn $26.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Edmond to Tahlequah as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Edmond and Tahlequah. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Edmond = $63,142, Tahlequah = $62,795), job availability (25 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Edmond vs Tahlequah?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $41,825 in Edmond and $45,626 in Tahlequah. The Tahlequah 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