Athletic Trainer Salary

Olathe vs Shawnee: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Olathe, KS and Shawnee, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Olathe, KS
$59,665
$28.69/hr
Shawnee, KS
$57,966
$27.87/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOlathe, KSShawnee, KS
Median Salary$59,665$57,966
Hourly Rate$28.69$27.87
Entry Level (P10)$47,022$45,780
25th Percentile$53,124$51,512
75th Percentile$70,395$69,403
Top Earner (P90)$87,234$81,919
Total Employed3311
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Olathe ($59,665) and Shawnee ($57,966) athletic trainer salaries.OlatheShawneeMedian Salary$59,665$57,966Entry Level (P10)$47,022$45,780Top Earner (P90)$87,234$81,919US Median $65,415

Verdict

Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shawnee.

The salary gap between Olathe and Shawnee is $1,699 (2.93%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olathe spans $40,212,Shawnee spans $36,139. Olathe has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Olathe
P10 (Entry)$47,022
P25$53,124
Median$59,665
P75$70,395
P90 (Top)$87,234
Shawnee
P10 (Entry)$45,780
P25$51,512
Median$57,966
P75$69,403
P90 (Top)$81,919

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Olathe ($65,638 effective) pays 2.93% more than Shawnee ($63,769 effective).

Olathe
Nominal: $59,665
CoL Index: 90.9
Adjusted: $65,638
Shawnee
Nominal: $57,966
CoL Index: 90.9
Adjusted: $63,769

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Olathe if…

  • Higher median salary ($59,665/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($87,234)
  • Larger job market (33 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,638)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Choose Shawnee if…

  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Olathe grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Shawnee over the same period.

Olathe, KS

+20.2%

$47,429 (2024) → $57,025 (2025)

Shawnee, KS

+20.2%

$46,078 (2024) → $55,401 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Olathe or Shawnee?

Olathe has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $59,665/year, compared to Shawnee at $57,966/year — a difference of $1,699 (2.93%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Olathe and Shawnee?

Olathe athletic trainers earn $28.69/hr while Shawnee hygienists earn $27.87/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Olathe to Shawnee as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Olathe and Shawnee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Olathe = $65,638, Shawnee = $63,769), job availability (33 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Olathe vs Shawnee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $47,022 in Olathe and $45,780 in Shawnee. The Olathe 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