Athletic Trainer Salary

Jonesboro vs Searcy: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Jonesboro, AR and Searcy, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Jonesboro, AR
$57,625
$27.71/hr
Searcy, AR
$54,121
$26.02/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJonesboro, ARSearcy, AR
Median Salary$57,625$54,121
Hourly Rate$27.71$26.02
Entry Level (P10)$44,522$43,459
25th Percentile$50,468$48,143
75th Percentile$69,426$61,369
Top Earner (P90)$82,452$69,804
Total Employed215
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jonesboro ($57,625) and Searcy ($54,121) athletic trainer salaries.JonesboroSearcyMedian Salary$57,625$54,121Entry Level (P10)$44,522$43,459Top Earner (P90)$82,452$69,804US Median $65,415

Verdict

Jonesboro, AR offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Searcy.

The salary gap between Jonesboro and Searcy is $3,504 (6.47%). Jonesboro's median is -11.91% 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,Searcy spans $26,345. Jonesboro has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Jonesboro
P10 (Entry)$44,522
P25$50,468
Median$57,625
P75$69,426
P90 (Top)$82,452
Searcy
P10 (Entry)$43,459
P25$48,143
Median$54,121
P75$61,369
P90 (Top)$69,804

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jonesboro ($66,312 effective) pays 6.47% more than Searcy ($62,280 effective).

Jonesboro
Nominal: $57,625
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $66,312
Searcy
Nominal: $54,121
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $62,280

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jonesboro if…

  • Higher median salary ($57,625/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,452)
  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,312)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Choose Searcy if…

  • 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 30.2% growth in Searcy over the same period.

Jonesboro, AR

+30.3%

$42,284 (2024) → $55,075 (2025)

Searcy, AR

+30.2%

$39,713 (2024) → $51,726 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Jonesboro or Searcy?

Jonesboro has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $57,625/year, compared to Searcy at $54,121/year — a difference of $3,504 (6.47%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jonesboro and Searcy?

Jonesboro athletic trainers earn $27.71/hr while Searcy hygienists earn $26.02/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jonesboro to Searcy as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jonesboro and Searcy. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jonesboro = $66,312, Searcy = $62,280), job availability (21 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Jonesboro vs Searcy?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $44,522 in Jonesboro and $43,459 in Searcy. The Jonesboro 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