Knoxville vs Smyrna: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Knoxville, TN and Smyrna, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Smyrna, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,328▲ | $60,698 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.97▲ | $29.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,716▲ | $46,608 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,880 | $52,944▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,754 | $73,006▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,869 | $84,119▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Smyrna is $1,630 (2.69%). Knoxville's median is -4.72% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $32,153,Smyrna spans $37,511. Smyrna has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($67,331 effective) pays 1.83% more than Smyrna ($66,120 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,328/year)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,331)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,119)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Knoxville grew 42.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$41,800 (2019) → $59,570 (2025)
Smyrna, TN
$48,251 (2024) → $58,012 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Smyrna, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Knoxville or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Smyrna as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Knoxville vs Smyrna?
Related Comparisons
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