Athletic Trainer Salary

Greensboro vs Matthews: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Greensboro, NC and Matthews, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Greensboro, NC
$54,669
$26.28/hr
Matthews, NC
$57,899
$27.83/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGreensboro, NCMatthews, NC
Median Salary$54,669$57,899
Hourly Rate$26.28$27.83
Entry Level (P10)$40,785$45,407
25th Percentile$46,581$51,142
75th Percentile$62,768$67,120
Top Earner (P90)$64,191$77,761
Total Employed808
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Greensboro ($54,669) and Matthews ($57,899) athletic trainer salaries.GreensboroMatthewsMedian Salary$54,669$57,899Entry Level (P10)$40,785$45,407Top Earner (P90)$64,191$77,761US Median $65,415

Verdict

Matthews, NC offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greensboro.

The salary gap between Greensboro and Matthews is $3,230 (5.91%). Matthews's median is -11.49% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greensboro spans $23,406,Matthews spans $32,354. Matthews has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Greensboro
P10 (Entry)$40,785
P25$46,581
Median$54,669
P75$62,768
P90 (Top)$64,191
Matthews
P10 (Entry)$45,407
P25$51,142
Median$57,899
P75$67,120
P90 (Top)$77,761

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Matthews ($61,858 effective) pays 5.08% more than Greensboro ($58,869 effective).

Greensboro
Nominal: $54,669
CoL Index: 92.865
Adjusted: $58,869
Matthews
Nominal: $57,899
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $61,858

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Greensboro if…

  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Matthews if…

  • Higher median salary ($57,899/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($77,761)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,858)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Greensboro grew 38.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.8% growth in Matthews over the same period.

Greensboro, NC

+38.8%

$37,640 (2019) → $52,250 (2025)

Matthews, NC

+10.8%

$49,963 (2024) → $55,337 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Greensboro or Matthews?

Matthews has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $57,899/year, compared to Greensboro at $54,669/year — a difference of $3,230 (5.91%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Greensboro and Matthews?

Greensboro athletic trainers earn $26.28/hr while Matthews hygienists earn $27.83/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Greensboro to Matthews as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Greensboro and Matthews. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Greensboro = $58,869, Matthews = $61,858), job availability (80 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Greensboro vs Matthews?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $40,785 in Greensboro and $45,407 in Matthews. The Matthews 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