Lincoln vs Papillion: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Lincoln, NE and Papillion, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | Papillion, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,488▲ | $55,676 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.48▲ | $26.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,972▲ | $47,240 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,663▲ | $51,368 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,410▲ | $64,863 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,110▲ | $74,606 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Papillion.
The salary gap between Lincoln and Papillion is $9,812 (17.62%). Lincoln's median is +0.11% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $24,138,Papillion spans $27,366. Papillion 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, Lincoln ($71,508 effective) pays 17.52% more than Papillion ($60,848 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,488/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,110)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,508)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Papillion if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Lincoln grew 19.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Papillion over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$52,420 (2019) → $62,590 (2025)
Papillion, NE
$44,258 (2024) → $53,212 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
Papillion, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Lincoln or Papillion?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Papillion?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to Papillion as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Lincoln vs Papillion?
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