Athletic Trainer Salary

Houma vs Metairie: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Houma, LA and Metairie, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Houma, LA
$67,947
$32.67/hr
Metairie, LA
$63,364
$30.47/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouma, LAMetairie, LA
Median Salary$67,947$63,364
Hourly Rate$32.67$30.47
Entry Level (P10)$53,257$45,913
25th Percentile$65,844$57,181
75th Percentile$70,583$75,588
Top Earner (P90)$80,230$93,789
Total Employed4023
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houma ($67,947) and Metairie ($63,364) athletic trainer salaries.HoumaMetairieMedian Salary$67,947$63,364Entry Level (P10)$53,257$45,913Top Earner (P90)$80,230$93,789US Median $65,415

Verdict

Houma, LA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Metairie.

The salary gap between Houma and Metairie is $4,583 (7.23%). Houma's median is +3.87% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houma spans $26,973,Metairie spans $47,876. Metairie has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Houma
P10 (Entry)$53,257
P25$65,844
Median$67,947
P75$70,583
P90 (Top)$80,230
Metairie
P10 (Entry)$45,913
P25$57,181
Median$63,364
P75$75,588
P90 (Top)$93,789

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houma ($79,841 effective) pays 13.78% more than Metairie ($70,171 effective).

Houma
Nominal: $67,947
CoL Index: 85.103
Adjusted: $79,841
Metairie
Nominal: $63,364
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $70,171

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Houma if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,947/year)
  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,841)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Metairie if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($93,789)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Houma grew 42.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.2% growth in Metairie over the same period.

Houma, LA

+42.9%

$45,433 (2024) → $64,940 (2025)

Metairie, LA

+27.2%

$47,598 (2024) → $60,560 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Houma or Metairie?

Houma has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $67,947/year, compared to Metairie at $63,364/year — a difference of $4,583 (7.23%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houma and Metairie?

Houma athletic trainers earn $32.67/hr while Metairie hygienists earn $30.47/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Houma to Metairie as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houma and Metairie. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houma = $79,841, Metairie = $70,171), job availability (40 vs 23 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Houma vs Metairie?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $53,257 in Houma and $45,913 in Metairie. The Houma 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