Athletic Trainer Salary

Kent vs Spokane: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Kent, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kent, WA
$70,131
$33.72/hr
Spokane, WA
$66,702
$32.07/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKent, WASpokane, WA
Median Salary$70,131$66,702
Hourly Rate$33.72$32.07
Entry Level (P10)$54,707$53,267
25th Percentile$62,015$53,864
75th Percentile$86,558$66,702
Top Earner (P90)$104,413$73,210
Total Employed3340
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kent ($70,131) and Spokane ($66,702) athletic trainer salaries.KentSpokaneMedian Salary$70,131$66,702Entry Level (P10)$54,707$53,267Top Earner (P90)$104,413$73,210US Median $65,415

Verdict

Kent, WA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.

The salary gap between Kent and Spokane is $3,429 (5.14%). Kent's median is +7.21% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kent spans $49,706,Spokane spans $19,943. Kent has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Kent
P10 (Entry)$54,707
P25$62,015
Median$70,131
P75$86,558
P90 (Top)$104,413
Spokane
P10 (Entry)$53,267
P25$53,864
Median$66,702
P75$66,702
P90 (Top)$73,210

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Spokane ($66,472 effective) pays 1.80% more than Kent ($65,299 effective).

Kent
Nominal: $70,131
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $65,299
Spokane
Nominal: $66,702
CoL Index: 100.346
Adjusted: $66,472

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kent if…

  • Higher median salary ($70,131/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($104,413)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Spokane if…

  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,472)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Kent grew -2.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.9% growth in Spokane over the same period.

Kent, WA

+-2.3%

$68,615 (2024) → $67,028 (2025)

Spokane, WA

+34.9%

$47,250 (2019) → $63,750 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Kent or Spokane?

Kent has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $70,131/year, compared to Spokane at $66,702/year — a difference of $3,429 (5.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kent and Spokane?

Kent athletic trainers earn $33.72/hr while Spokane hygienists earn $32.07/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kent to Spokane as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kent and Spokane. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kent = $65,299, Spokane = $66,472), job availability (33 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Kent vs Spokane?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $54,707 in Kent and $53,267 in Spokane. The Kent 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