Ithaca vs Rochester: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Ithaca, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ithaca, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,181▲ | $63,238 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.86▲ | $30.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,257 | $52,859▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,434 | $56,437▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,153▲ | $68,627 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,790 | $90,243▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Ithaca and Rochester are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ithaca and Rochester is $943 (1.49%). Ithaca's median is -1.89% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ithaca spans $35,533,Rochester spans $37,384. Rochester 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, Rochester ($65,170 effective) pays 17.69% more than Ithaca ($55,376 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,181/year)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,243)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,170)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Ithaca grew -18.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.6% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Ithaca, NY
$75,372 (2024) → $61,341 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$47,730 (2019) → $60,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ithaca, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Ithaca or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ithaca and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Ithaca to Rochester as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Ithaca vs Rochester?
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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