Athletic Trainer Salary

Marlborough vs Springfield: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Marlborough, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Marlborough, MA
$70,065
$33.68/hr
Springfield, MA
$66,178
$31.82/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMarlborough, MASpringfield, MA
Median Salary$70,065$66,178
Hourly Rate$33.68$31.82
Entry Level (P10)$55,087$52,388
25th Percentile$61,773$58,530
75th Percentile$81,217$79,613
Top Earner (P90)$93,742$102,150
Total Employed1030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Marlborough ($70,065) and Springfield ($66,178) athletic trainer salaries.MarlboroughSpringfieldMedian Salary$70,065$66,178Entry Level (P10)$55,087$52,388Top Earner (P90)$93,742$102,150US Median $65,415

Verdict

Marlborough and Springfield are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Marlborough and Springfield is $3,887 (5.87%). Marlborough's median is +7.11% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Marlborough spans $38,655,Springfield spans $49,762. Springfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Marlborough
P10 (Entry)$55,087
P25$61,773
Median$70,065
P75$81,217
P90 (Top)$93,742
Springfield
P10 (Entry)$52,388
P25$58,530
Median$66,178
P75$79,613
P90 (Top)$102,150

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($68,892 effective) pays 6.68% more than Marlborough ($64,576 effective).

Marlborough
Nominal: $70,065
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $64,576
Springfield
Nominal: $66,178
CoL Index: 96.061
Adjusted: $68,892

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Marlborough if…

  • Higher median salary ($70,065/year)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Springfield if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($102,150)
  • Larger job market (30 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,892)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Marlborough grew -8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.2% growth in Springfield over the same period.

Marlborough, MA

+-8.1%

$72,835 (2024) → $66,965 (2025)

Springfield, MA

+26.2%

$50,110 (2019) → $63,250 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Marlborough or Springfield?

Marlborough has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $70,065/year, compared to Springfield at $66,178/year — a difference of $3,887 (5.87%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Marlborough and Springfield?

Marlborough athletic trainers earn $33.68/hr while Springfield hygienists earn $31.82/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Marlborough to Springfield as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Marlborough and Springfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Marlborough = $64,576, Springfield = $68,892), job availability (10 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Marlborough vs Springfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $55,087 in Marlborough and $52,388 in Springfield. The Marlborough 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