Athletic Trainer Salary

Grandview vs Kansas City: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Grandview, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Grandview, MO
$61,656
$29.64/hr
Kansas City, MO
$66,367
$31.91/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGrandview, MOKansas City, MO
Median Salary$61,656$66,367
Hourly Rate$29.64$31.91
Entry Level (P10)$48,117$53,843
25th Percentile$54,094$58,467
75th Percentile$72,542$79,027
Top Earner (P90)$82,071$82,239
Total Employed5210
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Grandview ($61,656) and Kansas City ($66,367) athletic trainer salaries.GrandviewKansas CityMedian Salary$61,656$66,367Entry Level (P10)$48,117$53,843Top Earner (P90)$82,071$82,239US Median $65,415

Verdict

Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grandview.

The salary gap between Grandview and Kansas City is $4,711 (7.64%). Kansas City's median is +1.46% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grandview spans $33,954,Kansas City spans $28,396. Grandview has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Grandview
P10 (Entry)$48,117
P25$54,094
Median$61,656
P75$72,542
P90 (Top)$82,071
Kansas City
P10 (Entry)$53,843
P25$58,467
Median$66,367
P75$79,027
P90 (Top)$82,239

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($71,715 effective) pays 4.22% more than Grandview ($68,813 effective).

Grandview
Nominal: $61,656
CoL Index: 89.6
Adjusted: $68,813
Kansas City
Nominal: $66,367
CoL Index: 92.543
Adjusted: $71,715

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Grandview if…

  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Choose Kansas City if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,367/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,239)
  • Larger job market (210 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,715)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Grandview grew 28.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Kansas City over the same period.

Grandview, MO

+28.6%

$45,836 (2024) → $58,928 (2025)

Kansas City, MO

+24.8%

$50,810 (2019) → $63,430 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Grandview or Kansas City?

Kansas City has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $66,367/year, compared to Grandview at $61,656/year — a difference of $4,711 (7.64%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Grandview and Kansas City?

Grandview athletic trainers earn $29.64/hr while Kansas City hygienists earn $31.91/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Grandview to Kansas City as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Grandview and Kansas City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Grandview = $68,813, Kansas City = $71,715), job availability (5 vs 210 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Grandview vs Kansas City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $48,117 in Grandview and $53,843 in Kansas City. The Kansas City 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