Athletic Trainer Salary

Greenfield vs La Crosse: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Greenfield, WI and La Crosse, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Greenfield, WI
$60,737
$29.20/hr
La Crosse, WI
$64,682
$31.10/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGreenfield, WILa Crosse, WI
Median Salary$60,737$64,682
Hourly Rate$29.20$31.10
Entry Level (P10)$48,466$49,574
25th Percentile$54,075$63,657
75th Percentile$70,823$76,914
Top Earner (P90)$82,251$78,860
Total Employed940
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Greenfield ($60,737) and La Crosse ($64,682) athletic trainer salaries.GreenfieldLa CrosseMedian Salary$60,737$64,682Entry Level (P10)$48,466$49,574Top Earner (P90)$82,251$78,860US Median $65,415

Verdict

La Crosse, WI offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greenfield.

The salary gap between Greenfield and La Crosse is $3,945 (6.50%). La Crosse's median is -1.12% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greenfield spans $33,785,La Crosse spans $29,286. Greenfield has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Greenfield
P10 (Entry)$48,466
P25$54,075
Median$60,737
P75$70,823
P90 (Top)$82,251
La Crosse
P10 (Entry)$49,574
P25$63,657
Median$64,682
P75$76,914
P90 (Top)$78,860

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, La Crosse ($70,483 effective) pays 8.39% more than Greenfield ($65,029 effective).

Greenfield
Nominal: $60,737
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $65,029
La Crosse
Nominal: $64,682
CoL Index: 91.769
Adjusted: $70,483

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Greenfield if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($82,251)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose La Crosse if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,682/year)
  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,483)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Greenfield grew 15.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in La Crosse over the same period.

Greenfield, WI

+15.8%

$50,138 (2024) → $58,049 (2025)

La Crosse, WI

+14.8%

$53,840 (2019) → $61,820 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Greenfield or La Crosse?

La Crosse has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $64,682/year, compared to Greenfield at $60,737/year — a difference of $3,945 (6.50%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Greenfield and La Crosse?

Greenfield athletic trainers earn $29.20/hr while La Crosse hygienists earn $31.10/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Greenfield to La Crosse as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Greenfield and La Crosse. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Greenfield = $65,029, La Crosse = $70,483), job availability (9 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Greenfield vs La Crosse?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $48,466 in Greenfield and $49,574 in La Crosse. The La Crosse 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