Athletic Trainer Salary

Griffin vs Macon: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Griffin, GA and Macon, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Griffin, GA
$58,040
$27.90/hr
Macon, GA
$62,035
$29.82/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGriffin, GAMacon, GA
Median Salary$58,040$62,035
Hourly Rate$27.90$29.82
Entry Level (P10)$47,444$50,683
25th Percentile$52,240$52,493
75th Percentile$67,704$67,036
Top Earner (P90)$77,635$77,018
Total Employed540
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Griffin ($58,040) and Macon ($62,035) athletic trainer salaries.GriffinMaconMedian Salary$58,040$62,035Entry Level (P10)$47,444$50,683Top Earner (P90)$77,635$77,018US Median $65,415

Verdict

Macon, GA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Griffin.

The salary gap between Griffin and Macon is $3,995 (6.88%). Macon's median is -5.17% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Griffin spans $30,191,Macon spans $26,335. Griffin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Griffin
P10 (Entry)$47,444
P25$52,240
Median$58,040
P75$67,704
P90 (Top)$77,635
Macon
P10 (Entry)$50,683
P25$52,493
Median$62,035
P75$67,036
P90 (Top)$77,018

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Macon ($70,074 effective) pays 12.40% more than Griffin ($62,342 effective).

Griffin
Nominal: $58,040
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $62,342
Macon
Nominal: $62,035
CoL Index: 88.528
Adjusted: $70,074

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Griffin if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($77,635)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Macon if…

  • Higher median salary ($62,035/year)
  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,074)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Griffin grew 18.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.0% growth in Macon over the same period.

Griffin, GA

+18.6%

$46,764 (2024) → $55,472 (2025)

Macon, GA

+-3.0%

$61,150 (2020) → $59,290 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Griffin or Macon?

Macon has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $62,035/year, compared to Griffin at $58,040/year — a difference of $3,995 (6.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Griffin and Macon?

Griffin athletic trainers earn $27.90/hr while Macon hygienists earn $29.82/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Griffin to Macon as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Griffin and Macon. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Griffin = $62,342, Macon = $70,074), job availability (5 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Griffin vs Macon?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $47,444 in Griffin and $50,683 in Macon. The Macon 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