Kansas City vs Lawrence: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Kansas City, KS and Lawrence, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, KS | Lawrence, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,788▲ | $63,636 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.11▲ | $30.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,746▲ | $46,048 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,520 | $63,636▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,842▲ | $75,784 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,076▲ | $85,849 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, KS offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Lawrence is $3,152 (4.95%). Kansas City's median is +2.10% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $46,330,Lawrence spans $39,801. Kansas 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, Kansas City ($73,474 effective) pays 4.19% more than Lawrence ($70,516 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,788/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,076)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,474)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Kansas City grew 32.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 65.5% growth in Lawrence over the same period.
Kansas City, KS
$48,044 (2024) → $63,833 (2025)
Lawrence, KS
$36,750 (2021) → $60,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, KS
Lawrence, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Kansas City or Lawrence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Lawrence?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Lawrence as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Kansas City vs Lawrence?
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