Athletic Trainer Salary

Jackson vs Oxford: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Jackson, MS and Oxford, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Jackson, MS
$47,809
$22.99/hr
Oxford, MS
$45,220
$21.74/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJackson, MSOxford, MS
Median Salary$47,809$45,220
Hourly Rate$22.99$21.74
Entry Level (P10)$37,875$36,686
25th Percentile$42,863$40,740
75th Percentile$56,707$54,205
Top Earner (P90)$70,406$61,891
Total Employed325
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jackson ($47,809) and Oxford ($45,220) athletic trainer salaries.JacksonOxfordMedian Salary$47,809$45,220Entry Level (P10)$37,875$36,686Top Earner (P90)$70,406$61,891US Median $65,415

Verdict

Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oxford.

The salary gap between Jackson and Oxford is $2,589 (5.73%). Jackson's median is -26.91% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $32,531,Oxford spans $25,205. Jackson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Jackson
P10 (Entry)$37,875
P25$42,863
Median$47,809
P75$56,707
P90 (Top)$70,406
Oxford
P10 (Entry)$36,686
P25$40,740
Median$45,220
P75$54,205
P90 (Top)$61,891

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jackson ($55,786 effective) pays 5.73% more than Oxford ($52,765 effective).

Jackson
Nominal: $47,809
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $55,786
Oxford
Nominal: $45,220
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $52,765

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jackson if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,809/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($70,406)
  • Larger job market (32 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,786)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Oxford if…

  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Jackson grew -2.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.1% growth in Oxford over the same period.

Jackson, MS

+-2.8%

$47,010 (2019) → $45,693 (2025)

Oxford, MS

+10.1%

$39,246 (2024) → $43,219 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Jackson or Oxford?

Jackson has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $47,809/year, compared to Oxford at $45,220/year — a difference of $2,589 (5.73%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Oxford?

Jackson athletic trainers earn $22.99/hr while Oxford hygienists earn $21.74/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jackson to Oxford as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jackson and Oxford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jackson = $55,786, Oxford = $52,765), job availability (32 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Jackson vs Oxford?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $37,875 in Jackson and $36,686 in Oxford. The Jackson 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