Athletic Trainer Salary

Jonesboro vs Springdale: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Jonesboro, AR
$57,625
$27.71/hr
Springdale, AR
$66,257
$31.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJonesboro, ARSpringdale, AR
Median Salary$57,625$66,257
Hourly Rate$27.71$31.85
Entry Level (P10)$44,522$50,309
25th Percentile$50,468$57,367
75th Percentile$69,426$79,164
Top Earner (P90)$82,452$93,699
Total Employed2114
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jonesboro ($57,625) and Springdale ($66,257) athletic trainer salaries.JonesboroSpringdaleMedian Salary$57,625$66,257Entry Level (P10)$44,522$50,309Top Earner (P90)$82,452$93,699US Median $65,415

Verdict

Springdale, AR offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jonesboro.

The salary gap between Jonesboro and Springdale is $8,632 (14.98%). Springdale's median is +1.29% 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,Springdale spans $43,390. Springdale has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Jonesboro
P10 (Entry)$44,522
P25$50,468
Median$57,625
P75$69,426
P90 (Top)$82,452
Springdale
P10 (Entry)$50,309
P25$57,367
Median$66,257
P75$79,164
P90 (Top)$93,699

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springdale ($76,245 effective) pays 14.98% more than Jonesboro ($66,312 effective).

Jonesboro
Nominal: $57,625
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $66,312
Springdale
Nominal: $66,257
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $76,245

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 Springdale if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,257/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($93,699)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,245)
  • 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 51.0% growth in Springdale over the same period.

Jonesboro, AR

+30.3%

$42,284 (2024) → $55,075 (2025)

Springdale, AR

+51.0%

$41,941 (2024) → $63,325 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Jonesboro or Springdale?

Springdale has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $66,257/year, compared to Jonesboro at $57,625/year — a difference of $8,632 (14.98%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jonesboro and Springdale?

Jonesboro athletic trainers earn $27.71/hr while Springdale hygienists earn $31.85/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jonesboro and Springdale. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jonesboro = $66,312, Springdale = $76,245), job availability (21 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $44,522 in Jonesboro and $50,309 in Springdale. The Springdale 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