Athletic Trainer Salary

Nashua vs Portsmouth: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Nashua, NH and Portsmouth, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Nashua, NH
$61,431
$29.54/hr
Portsmouth, NH
$67,348
$32.38/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNashua, NHPortsmouth, NH
Median Salary$61,431$67,348
Hourly Rate$29.54$32.38
Entry Level (P10)$45,804$54,915
25th Percentile$52,557$60,570
75th Percentile$72,861$77,014
Top Earner (P90)$85,667$87,664
Total Employed215
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Nashua ($61,431) and Portsmouth ($67,348) athletic trainer salaries.NashuaPortsmouthMedian Salary$61,431$67,348Entry Level (P10)$45,804$54,915Top Earner (P90)$85,667$87,664US Median $65,415

Verdict

Portsmouth, NH offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Nashua.

The salary gap between Nashua and Portsmouth is $5,917 (9.63%). Portsmouth's median is +2.95% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashua spans $39,863,Portsmouth spans $32,749. Nashua has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Nashua
P10 (Entry)$45,804
P25$52,557
Median$61,431
P75$72,861
P90 (Top)$85,667
Portsmouth
P10 (Entry)$54,915
P25$60,570
Median$67,348
P75$77,014
P90 (Top)$87,664

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Portsmouth ($62,766 effective) pays 9.63% more than Nashua ($57,252 effective).

Nashua
Nominal: $61,431
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $57,252
Portsmouth
Nominal: $67,348
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $62,766

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Nashua if…

  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Portsmouth if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,348/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($87,664)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,766)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Nashua grew -5.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.8% growth in Portsmouth over the same period.

Nashua, NH

+-5.4%

$62,048 (2024) → $58,713 (2025)

Portsmouth, NH

+36.8%

$47,040 (2019) → $64,368 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Nashua or Portsmouth?

Portsmouth has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $67,348/year, compared to Nashua at $61,431/year — a difference of $5,917 (9.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Nashua and Portsmouth?

Nashua athletic trainers earn $29.54/hr while Portsmouth hygienists earn $32.38/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Nashua to Portsmouth as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Nashua and Portsmouth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Nashua = $57,252, Portsmouth = $62,766), job availability (21 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Nashua vs Portsmouth?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $45,804 in Nashua and $54,915 in Portsmouth. The Portsmouth area offers higher starting salaries.
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