Athletic Trainer Salary

Houma vs Slidell: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Houma, LA
$67,947
$32.67/hr
Slidell, LA
$64,138
$30.83/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouma, LASlidell, LA
Median Salary$67,947$64,138
Hourly Rate$32.67$30.83
Entry Level (P10)$53,257$52,430
25th Percentile$65,844$64,075
75th Percentile$70,583$80,460
Top Earner (P90)$80,230$83,767
Total Employed4030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houma ($67,947) and Slidell ($64,138) athletic trainer salaries.HoumaSlidellMedian Salary$67,947$64,138Entry Level (P10)$53,257$52,430Top Earner (P90)$80,230$83,767US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Houma and Slidell is $3,809 (5.94%). 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,Slidell spans $31,337. Slidell 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
Slidell
P10 (Entry)$52,430
P25$64,075
Median$64,138
P75$80,460
P90 (Top)$83,767

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houma ($79,841 effective) pays 15.43% more than Slidell ($69,169 effective).

Houma
Nominal: $67,947
CoL Index: 85.103
Adjusted: $79,841
Slidell
Nominal: $64,138
CoL Index: 92.726
Adjusted: $69,169

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 Slidell if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($83,767)
  • 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 34.4% growth in Slidell over the same period.

Houma, LA

+42.9%

$45,433 (2024) → $64,940 (2025)

Slidell, LA

+34.4%

$45,618 (2024) → $61,300 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Houma or Slidell?

Houma has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $67,947/year, compared to Slidell at $64,138/year — a difference of $3,809 (5.94%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houma and Slidell?

Houma athletic trainers earn $32.67/hr while Slidell hygienists earn $30.83/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houma and Slidell. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houma = $79,841, Slidell = $69,169), job availability (40 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $53,257 in Houma and $52,430 in Slidell. 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