La Crosse vs Sun Prairie: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between La Crosse, WI and Sun Prairie, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | La Crosse, WI | Sun Prairie, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,682▲ | $59,367 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.10▲ | $28.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,574▲ | $45,109 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,657▲ | $54,799 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,914▲ | $71,202 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,860 | $83,345▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 9 |
Verdict
La Crosse, WI offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sun Prairie.
The salary gap between La Crosse and Sun Prairie is $5,315 (8.95%). La Crosse's median is -1.12% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Crosse spans $29,286,Sun Prairie spans $38,236. Sun Prairie 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, La Crosse ($70,483 effective) pays 10.89% more than Sun Prairie ($63,562 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose La Crosse if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,682/year)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,483)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Sun Prairie if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,345)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in La Crosse grew 14.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Sun Prairie over the same period.
La Crosse, WI
$53,840 (2019) → $61,820 (2025)
Sun Prairie, WI
$49,007 (2024) → $56,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
La Crosse, WI
Sun Prairie, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: La Crosse or Sun Prairie?
What is the hourly rate difference between La Crosse and Sun Prairie?
Should I relocate from La Crosse to Sun Prairie as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in La Crosse vs Sun Prairie?
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