Athletic Trainer Salary

Germantown vs Knoxville: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Germantown, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Germantown, TN
$58,446
$28.10/hr
Knoxville, TN
$62,328
$29.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGermantown, TNKnoxville, TN
Median Salary$58,446$62,328
Hourly Rate$28.10$29.97
Entry Level (P10)$44,571$48,716
25th Percentile$54,070$52,880
75th Percentile$70,125$66,754
Top Earner (P90)$82,388$80,869
Total Employed870
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Germantown ($58,446) and Knoxville ($62,328) athletic trainer salaries.GermantownKnoxvilleMedian Salary$58,446$62,328Entry Level (P10)$44,571$48,716Top Earner (P90)$82,388$80,869US Median $65,415

Verdict

Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Germantown.

The salary gap between Germantown and Knoxville is $3,882 (6.64%). Knoxville's median is -4.72% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Germantown spans $37,817,Knoxville spans $32,153. Germantown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Germantown
P10 (Entry)$44,571
P25$54,070
Median$58,446
P75$70,125
P90 (Top)$82,388
Knoxville
P10 (Entry)$48,716
P25$52,880
Median$62,328
P75$66,754
P90 (Top)$80,869

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($67,331 effective) pays 5.76% more than Germantown ($63,667 effective).

Germantown
Nominal: $58,446
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $63,667
Knoxville
Nominal: $62,328
CoL Index: 92.569
Adjusted: $67,331

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Germantown if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($82,388)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Knoxville if…

  • Higher median salary ($62,328/year)
  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,331)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Germantown grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.5% growth in Knoxville over the same period.

Germantown, TN

+20.2%

$46,461 (2024) → $55,860 (2025)

Knoxville, TN

+42.5%

$41,800 (2019) → $59,570 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Germantown or Knoxville?

Knoxville has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $62,328/year, compared to Germantown at $58,446/year — a difference of $3,882 (6.64%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Germantown and Knoxville?

Germantown athletic trainers earn $28.10/hr while Knoxville hygienists earn $29.97/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Germantown to Knoxville as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Germantown and Knoxville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Germantown = $63,667, Knoxville = $67,331), job availability (8 vs 70 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Germantown vs Knoxville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $44,571 in Germantown and $48,716 in Knoxville. The Knoxville 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