Muncie vs South Bend: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Muncie, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Muncie, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,857▲ | $59,943 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.74▲ | $28.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,305▲ | $48,245 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,305▲ | $48,245 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,115▲ | $68,731 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,879 | $75,878▲ |
| Total Employed | 30 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Muncie and South Bend are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Muncie and South Bend is $1,914 (3.19%). Muncie's median is -5.44% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Muncie spans $21,574,South Bend spans $27,633. South Bend 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, Muncie ($70,174 effective) pays 8.71% more than South Bend ($64,553 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Muncie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,857/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,174)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,878)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Muncie grew 18.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.5% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Muncie, IN
$50,006 (2024) → $59,120 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$52,820 (2019) → $57,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Muncie, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Muncie or South Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Muncie and South Bend?
Should I relocate from Muncie to South Bend as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Muncie vs South Bend?
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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