Jonesboro vs North Little Rock: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Jonesboro, AR and North Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jonesboro, AR | North Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,625 | $58,491▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.71 | $28.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,522 | $46,008▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,468 | $52,018▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,426 | $71,261▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,452 | $85,011▲ |
| Total Employed | 21▲ | 15 |
Verdict
North Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jonesboro.
The salary gap between Jonesboro and North Little Rock is $866 (1.50%). North Little Rock's median is -10.58% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jonesboro spans $37,930,North Little Rock spans $39,003. North Little Rock 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, North Little Rock ($67,308 effective) pays 1.50% more than Jonesboro ($66,312 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose North Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,491/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,011)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,308)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Jonesboro grew 30.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.4% growth in North Little Rock over the same period.
Jonesboro, AR
$42,284 (2024) → $55,075 (2025)
North Little Rock, AR
$40,685 (2024) → $55,903 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jonesboro, AR
North Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Jonesboro or North Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jonesboro and North Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Jonesboro to North Little Rock as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Jonesboro vs North Little Rock?
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