Lawrence vs Manhattan: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Lawrence, KS and Manhattan, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Manhattan, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,636▲ | $59,793 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.59▲ | $28.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,048▲ | $45,164 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,636▲ | $51,775 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,784▲ | $70,138 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,849▲ | $82,387 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Lawrence, KS offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Manhattan.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Manhattan is $3,843 (6.43%). Lawrence's median is -2.72% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $39,801,Manhattan spans $37,223. Lawrence 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, Lawrence ($70,516 effective) pays 7.20% more than Manhattan ($65,779 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,636/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,849)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,516)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Lawrence grew 65.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Manhattan over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$36,750 (2021) → $60,820 (2025)
Manhattan, KS
$47,531 (2024) → $57,147 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Manhattan, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Lawrence or Manhattan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and Manhattan?
Should I relocate from Lawrence to Manhattan as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Lawrence vs Manhattan?
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