Athletic Trainer Salary

Newberg vs Salem: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Newberg, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Newberg, OR
$62,874
$30.23/hr
Salem, OR
$68,142
$32.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewberg, ORSalem, OR
Median Salary$62,874$68,142
Hourly Rate$30.23$32.76
Entry Level (P10)$54,101$49,546
25th Percentile$58,557$57,588
75th Percentile$71,534$84,044
Top Earner (P90)$81,179$101,085
Total Employed644
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newberg ($62,874) and Salem ($68,142) athletic trainer salaries.NewbergSalemMedian Salary$62,874$68,142Entry Level (P10)$54,101$49,546Top Earner (P90)$81,179$101,085US Median $65,415

Verdict

Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Newberg.

The salary gap between Newberg and Salem is $5,268 (8.38%). Salem's median is +4.17% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newberg spans $27,078,Salem spans $51,539. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Newberg
P10 (Entry)$54,101
P25$58,557
Median$62,874
P75$71,534
P90 (Top)$81,179
Salem
P10 (Entry)$49,546
P25$57,588
Median$68,142
P75$84,044
P90 (Top)$101,085

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($66,415 effective) pays 8.38% more than Newberg ($61,281 effective).

Newberg
Nominal: $62,874
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $61,281
Salem
Nominal: $68,142
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $66,415

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Newberg if…

  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Salem if…

  • Higher median salary ($68,142/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($101,085)
  • Larger job market (44 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,415)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Newberg grew 0.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.8% growth in Salem over the same period.

Newberg, OR

+0.8%

$59,592 (2024) → $60,092 (2025)

Salem, OR

+38.8%

$46,920 (2019) → $65,127 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Newberg or Salem?

Salem has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $68,142/year, compared to Newberg at $62,874/year — a difference of $5,268 (8.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newberg and Salem?

Newberg athletic trainers earn $30.23/hr while Salem hygienists earn $32.76/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Newberg to Salem as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newberg and Salem. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newberg = $61,281, Salem = $66,415), job availability (6 vs 44 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Newberg vs Salem?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $54,101 in Newberg and $49,546 in Salem. The Newberg 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