Athletic Trainer Salary

Hazleton vs Pittsburgh: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Hazleton, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hazleton, PA
$60,353
$29.01/hr
Pittsburgh, PA
$59,126
$28.43/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHazleton, PAPittsburgh, PA
Median Salary$60,353$59,126
Hourly Rate$29.01$28.43
Entry Level (P10)$45,731$43,401
25th Percentile$55,615$43,401
75th Percentile$72,201$62,841
Top Earner (P90)$84,728$77,217
Total Employed7400
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hazleton ($60,353) and Pittsburgh ($59,126) athletic trainer salaries.HazletonPittsburghMedian Salary$60,353$59,126Entry Level (P10)$45,731$43,401Top Earner (P90)$84,728$77,217US Median $65,415

Verdict

Hazleton, PA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.

The salary gap between Hazleton and Pittsburgh is $1,227 (2.08%). Hazleton's median is -7.74% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hazleton spans $38,997,Pittsburgh spans $33,816. Hazleton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hazleton
P10 (Entry)$45,731
P25$55,615
Median$60,353
P75$72,201
P90 (Top)$84,728
Pittsburgh
P10 (Entry)$43,401
P25$43,401
Median$59,126
P75$62,841
P90 (Top)$77,217

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pittsburgh ($62,454 effective) pays 0.79% more than Hazleton ($61,964 effective).

Hazleton
Nominal: $60,353
CoL Index: 97.4
Adjusted: $61,964
Pittsburgh
Nominal: $59,126
CoL Index: 94.671
Adjusted: $62,454

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hazleton if…

  • Higher median salary ($60,353/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($84,728)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Pittsburgh if…

  • Larger job market (400 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,454)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Hazleton grew 5.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.

Hazleton, PA

+5.2%

$54,821 (2024) → $57,682 (2025)

Pittsburgh, PA

+31.7%

$42,910 (2019) → $56,510 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Hazleton or Pittsburgh?

Hazleton has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $60,353/year, compared to Pittsburgh at $59,126/year — a difference of $1,227 (2.08%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hazleton and Pittsburgh?

Hazleton athletic trainers earn $29.01/hr while Pittsburgh hygienists earn $28.43/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hazleton to Pittsburgh as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hazleton and Pittsburgh. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hazleton = $61,964, Pittsburgh = $62,454), job availability (7 vs 400 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Hazleton vs Pittsburgh?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $45,731 in Hazleton and $43,401 in Pittsburgh. The Hazleton 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