Athletic Trainer Salary

Nashville vs Tullahoma: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Nashville, TN and Tullahoma, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Nashville, TN
$64,693
$31.11/hr
Tullahoma, TN
$55,483
$26.67/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNashville, TNTullahoma, TN
Median Salary$64,693$55,483
Hourly Rate$31.11$26.67
Entry Level (P10)$52,231$46,449
25th Percentile$58,540$49,482
75th Percentile$67,612$64,210
Top Earner (P90)$74,580$73,655
Total Employed2304
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Nashville ($64,693) and Tullahoma ($55,483) athletic trainer salaries.NashvilleTullahomaMedian Salary$64,693$55,483Entry Level (P10)$52,231$46,449Top Earner (P90)$74,580$73,655US Median $65,415

Verdict

Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tullahoma.

The salary gap between Nashville and Tullahoma is $9,210 (16.60%). Nashville's median is -1.10% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $22,349,Tullahoma spans $27,206. Tullahoma has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Nashville
P10 (Entry)$52,231
P25$58,540
Median$64,693
P75$67,612
P90 (Top)$74,580
Tullahoma
P10 (Entry)$46,449
P25$49,482
Median$55,483
P75$64,210
P90 (Top)$73,655

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($67,152 effective) pays 11.11% more than Tullahoma ($60,439 effective).

Nashville
Nominal: $64,693
CoL Index: 96.338
Adjusted: $67,152
Tullahoma
Nominal: $55,483
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $60,439

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Nashville if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,693/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($74,580)
  • Larger job market (230 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,152)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Tullahoma if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Nashville grew 38.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Tullahoma over the same period.

Nashville, TN

+38.5%

$44,650 (2019) → $61,830 (2025)

Tullahoma, TN

+20.2%

$44,105 (2024) → $53,028 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Nashville or Tullahoma?

Nashville has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $64,693/year, compared to Tullahoma at $55,483/year — a difference of $9,210 (16.60%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Tullahoma?

Nashville athletic trainers earn $31.11/hr while Tullahoma hygienists earn $26.67/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Nashville to Tullahoma as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Nashville and Tullahoma. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Nashville = $67,152, Tullahoma = $60,439), job availability (230 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Nashville vs Tullahoma?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,231 in Nashville and $46,449 in Tullahoma. The Nashville 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