Federal Way vs Tacoma: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Federal Way, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Federal Way, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,621 | $71,999▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.47 | $34.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,521 | $53,936▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,969 | $62,326▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,781 | $89,742▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,040 | $109,343▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 56▲ |
Verdict
Tacoma, WA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Federal Way.
The salary gap between Federal Way and Tacoma is $2,378 (3.42%). Tacoma's median is +10.06% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Federal Way spans $46,519,Tacoma spans $55,407. Tacoma has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tacoma ($67,038 effective) pays 3.42% more than Federal Way ($64,824 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Federal Way if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,999/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,343)
- ✓Larger job market (56 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,038)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Federal Way grew -2.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.2% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Federal Way, WA
$68,115 (2024) → $66,540 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$69,617 (2024) → $68,813 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Federal Way, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Federal Way or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Federal Way and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Federal Way to Tacoma as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Federal Way vs Tacoma?
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.
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