Athletic Trainer Salary

Margate vs Tampa: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Margate, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Margate, FL
$61,686
$29.65/hr
Tampa, FL
$63,249
$30.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMargate, FLTampa, FL
Median Salary$61,686$63,249
Hourly Rate$29.65$30.41
Entry Level (P10)$48,117$52,043
25th Percentile$54,557$55,559
75th Percentile$73,500$67,811
Top Earner (P90)$86,899$100,058
Total Employed13170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Margate ($61,686) and Tampa ($63,249) athletic trainer salaries.MargateTampaMedian Salary$61,686$63,249Entry Level (P10)$48,117$52,043Top Earner (P90)$86,899$100,058US Median $65,415

Verdict

Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Margate.

The salary gap between Margate and Tampa is $1,563 (2.53%). Tampa's median is -3.31% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Margate spans $38,782,Tampa spans $48,015. Tampa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Margate
P10 (Entry)$48,117
P25$54,557
Median$61,686
P75$73,500
P90 (Top)$86,899
Tampa
P10 (Entry)$52,043
P25$55,559
Median$63,249
P75$67,811
P90 (Top)$100,058

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($62,691 effective) pays 2.44% more than Margate ($61,196 effective).

Margate
Nominal: $61,686
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $61,196
Tampa
Nominal: $63,249
CoL Index: 100.89
Adjusted: $62,691

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Margate if…

  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Tampa if…

  • Higher median salary ($63,249/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($100,058)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,691)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Margate grew 7.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.9% growth in Tampa over the same period.

Margate, FL

+7.5%

$54,831 (2024) → $58,956 (2025)

Tampa, FL

+31.9%

$45,820 (2019) → $60,450 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Margate or Tampa?

Tampa has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $63,249/year, compared to Margate at $61,686/year — a difference of $1,563 (2.53%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Margate and Tampa?

Margate athletic trainers earn $29.65/hr while Tampa hygienists earn $30.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Margate to Tampa as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Margate and Tampa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Margate = $61,196, Tampa = $62,691), job availability (13 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Margate vs Tampa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $48,117 in Margate and $52,043 in Tampa. The Tampa area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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