Johnson City vs Knoxville: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Johnson City, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnson City, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,485 | $62,328▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.08 | $29.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,849 | $48,716▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,496 | $52,880▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,395▲ | $66,754 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,750▲ | $80,869 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnson City.
The salary gap between Johnson City and Knoxville is $1,843 (3.05%). Knoxville's median is -4.72% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnson City spans $39,901,Knoxville spans $32,153. Johnson City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($67,331 effective) pays 2.19% more than Johnson City ($65,888 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,750)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,328/year)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,331)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Johnson City grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.5% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Johnson City, TN
$48,081 (2024) → $57,808 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$41,800 (2019) → $59,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnson City, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Johnson City or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Johnson City and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Johnson City to Knoxville as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Johnson City vs Knoxville?
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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