Memphis vs Murfreesboro: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Memphis, TN and Murfreesboro, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Murfreesboro, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,685 | $63,546▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.17 | $30.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $20,361 | $48,964▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,369 | $55,733▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,953 | $77,962▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,006 | $91,456▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Murfreesboro, TN offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Memphis.
The salary gap between Memphis and Murfreesboro is $2,861 (4.71%). Murfreesboro's median is -2.86% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $58,645,Murfreesboro spans $42,492. Memphis 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, Murfreesboro ($69,222 effective) pays 5.15% more than Memphis ($65,834 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Murfreesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,546/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,456)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,222)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Memphis grew 30.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.2% growth in Murfreesboro over the same period.
Memphis, TN
$44,470 (2019) → $58,000 (2025)
Murfreesboro, TN
$47,359 (2024) → $60,734 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Memphis, TN
Murfreesboro, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Memphis or Murfreesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Murfreesboro?
Should I relocate from Memphis to Murfreesboro as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Memphis vs Murfreesboro?
Related Comparisons
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