Athletic Trainer Salary

Hartford vs Milford: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Hartford, CT and Milford, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hartford, CT
$75,710
$36.40/hr
Milford, CT
$69,013
$33.18/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHartford, CTMilford, CT
Median Salary$75,710$69,013
Hourly Rate$36.40$33.18
Entry Level (P10)$53,696$54,831
25th Percentile$57,494$61,575
75th Percentile$88,936$84,278
Top Earner (P90)$111,169$100,633
Total Employed409
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hartford ($75,710) and Milford ($69,013) athletic trainer salaries.HartfordMilfordMedian Salary$75,710$69,013Entry Level (P10)$53,696$54,831Top Earner (P90)$111,169$100,633US Median $65,415

Verdict

Hartford, CT offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Milford.

The salary gap between Hartford and Milford is $6,697 (9.70%). Hartford's median is +15.74% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $57,473,Milford spans $45,802. Hartford has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hartford
P10 (Entry)$53,696
P25$57,494
Median$75,710
P75$88,936
P90 (Top)$111,169
Milford
P10 (Entry)$54,831
P25$61,575
Median$69,013
P75$84,278
P90 (Top)$100,633

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hartford ($73,687 effective) pays 15.21% more than Milford ($63,960 effective).

Hartford
Nominal: $75,710
CoL Index: 102.746
Adjusted: $73,687
Milford
Nominal: $69,013
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $63,960

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hartford if…

  • Higher median salary ($75,710/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($111,169)
  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,687)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Milford if…

  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Hartford grew 32.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.3% growth in Milford over the same period.

Hartford, CT

+32.0%

$54,800 (2019) → $72,360 (2025)

Milford, CT

+-5.3%

$69,630 (2024) → $65,959 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Hartford or Milford?

Hartford has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $75,710/year, compared to Milford at $69,013/year — a difference of $6,697 (9.70%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Milford?

Hartford athletic trainers earn $36.40/hr while Milford hygienists earn $33.18/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hartford to Milford as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hartford and Milford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hartford = $73,687, Milford = $63,960), job availability (40 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Hartford vs Milford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $53,696 in Hartford and $54,831 in Milford. The Milford 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