Athletic Trainer Salary

Franklin vs Newark: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

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

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFranklin, NJNewark, NJ
Median Salary$76,398$80,160
Hourly Rate$36.73$38.54
Entry Level (P10)$59,036$56,238
25th Percentile$66,916$71,096
75th Percentile$90,496$99,876
Top Earner (P90)$106,342$121,992
Total Employed1561
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Franklin ($76,398) and Newark ($80,160) athletic trainer salaries.FranklinNewarkMedian Salary$76,398$80,160Entry Level (P10)$59,036$56,238Top Earner (P90)$106,342$121,992US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Franklin 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 Franklin spans $47,306,Newark spans $65,754. Newark has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Franklin
P10 (Entry)$59,036
P25$66,916
Median$76,398
P75$90,496
P90 (Top)$106,342
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 Franklin ($66,318 effective).

Franklin
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 Franklin 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 Franklin grew -5.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.2% growth in Newark over the same period.

Franklin, 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: Franklin or Newark?

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

What is the hourly rate difference between Franklin and Newark?

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

Should I relocate from Franklin to Newark as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Franklin and Newark. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Franklin = $66,318, Newark = $69,583), job availability (15 vs 61 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

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