Athletic Trainer Salary

Keene vs Manchester: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Keene, NH and Manchester, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Keene, NH
$67,248
$32.33/hr
Manchester, NH
$60,999
$29.33/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKeene, NHManchester, NH
Median Salary$67,248$60,999
Hourly Rate$32.33$29.33
Entry Level (P10)$54,440$46,937
25th Percentile$60,353$50,902
75th Percentile$78,182$63,479
Top Earner (P90)$89,850$90,202
Total Employed550
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Keene ($67,248) and Manchester ($60,999) athletic trainer salaries.KeeneManchesterMedian Salary$67,248$60,999Entry Level (P10)$54,440$46,937Top Earner (P90)$89,850$90,202US Median $65,415

Verdict

Keene and Manchester are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Keene and Manchester is $6,249 (10.24%). Keene's median is +2.80% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Keene spans $35,410,Manchester spans $43,265. Manchester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Keene
P10 (Entry)$54,440
P25$60,353
Median$67,248
P75$78,182
P90 (Top)$89,850
Manchester
P10 (Entry)$46,937
P25$50,902
Median$60,999
P75$63,479
P90 (Top)$90,202

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Keene ($62,673 effective) pays 8.56% more than Manchester ($57,733 effective).

Keene
Nominal: $67,248
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $62,673
Manchester
Nominal: $60,999
CoL Index: 105.657
Adjusted: $57,733

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Keene if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,248/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,673)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Manchester if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($90,202)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Keene grew 7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Manchester over the same period.

Keene, NH

+7.8%

$59,625 (2024) → $64,272 (2025)

Manchester, NH

+17.5%

$49,630 (2019) → $58,300 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Keene or Manchester?

Keene has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $67,248/year, compared to Manchester at $60,999/year — a difference of $6,249 (10.24%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Keene and Manchester?

Keene athletic trainers earn $32.33/hr while Manchester hygienists earn $29.33/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Keene to Manchester as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Keene and Manchester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Keene = $62,673, Manchester = $57,733), job availability (5 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Keene vs Manchester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $54,440 in Keene and $46,937 in Manchester. The Keene 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