Athletic Trainer Salary

Mobile vs Pelham: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Mobile, AL and Pelham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Mobile, AL
$52,388
$25.18/hr
Pelham, AL
$48,447
$23.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMobile, ALPelham, AL
Median Salary$52,388$48,447
Hourly Rate$25.18$23.29
Entry Level (P10)$41,193$40,632
25th Percentile$46,529$44,353
75th Percentile$64,473$56,188
Top Earner (P90)$66,084$64,278
Total Employed604
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Mobile ($52,388) and Pelham ($48,447) athletic trainer salaries.MobilePelhamMedian Salary$52,388$48,447Entry Level (P10)$41,193$40,632Top Earner (P90)$66,084$64,278US Median $65,415

Verdict

Mobile, AL offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pelham.

The salary gap between Mobile and Pelham is $3,941 (8.13%). Mobile's median is -19.91% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mobile spans $24,891,Pelham spans $23,646. Mobile has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Mobile
P10 (Entry)$41,193
P25$46,529
Median$52,388
P75$64,473
P90 (Top)$66,084
Pelham
P10 (Entry)$40,632
P25$44,353
Median$48,447
P75$56,188
P90 (Top)$64,278

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mobile ($59,466 effective) pays 7.89% more than Pelham ($55,116 effective).

Mobile
Nominal: $52,388
CoL Index: 88.098
Adjusted: $59,466
Pelham
Nominal: $48,447
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $55,116

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Mobile if…

  • Higher median salary ($52,388/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($66,084)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,466)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Pelham if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Mobile grew 12.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Pelham over the same period.

Mobile, AL

+12.5%

$44,500 (2019) → $50,070 (2025)

Pelham, AL

+18.7%

$39,018 (2024) → $46,303 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Mobile or Pelham?

Mobile has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $52,388/year, compared to Pelham at $48,447/year — a difference of $3,941 (8.13%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Mobile and Pelham?

Mobile athletic trainers earn $25.18/hr while Pelham hygienists earn $23.29/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Mobile to Pelham as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Mobile and Pelham. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Mobile = $59,466, Pelham = $55,116), job availability (60 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Mobile vs Pelham?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $41,193 in Mobile and $40,632 in Pelham. The Mobile 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