Harrisonburg vs Virginia Beach: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Harrisonburg, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harrisonburg, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,158▲ | $64,431 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.81▲ | $30.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,301▲ | $51,530 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,264▲ | $60,916 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,501▲ | $67,392 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,913 | $85,022▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Harrisonburg and Virginia Beach are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Harrisonburg and Virginia Beach is $1,727 (2.68%). Harrisonburg's median is +1.14% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harrisonburg spans $27,612,Virginia Beach spans $33,492. Virginia Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Harrisonburg ($69,719 effective) pays 5.98% more than Virginia Beach ($65,786 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harrisonburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,158/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,719)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,022)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Harrisonburg grew 34.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Harrisonburg, VA
$47,130 (2019) → $63,230 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$51,570 (2019) → $61,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harrisonburg, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Harrisonburg or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Harrisonburg and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Harrisonburg to Virginia Beach as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Harrisonburg vs Virginia Beach?
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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.
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