Olive Branch vs Southaven: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Olive Branch, MS and Southaven, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olive Branch, MS | Southaven, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,844 | $46,625▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.56 | $22.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,825 | $37,492▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,956 | $41,936▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,288 | $54,477▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,779 | $63,885▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 14▲ |
Verdict
Southaven, MS offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Olive Branch.
The salary gap between Olive Branch and Southaven is $1,781 (3.97%). Southaven's median is -28.72% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olive Branch spans $24,954,Southaven spans $26,393. Southaven 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, Southaven ($54,405 effective) pays 3.97% more than Olive Branch ($52,327 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olive Branch if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Southaven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,625/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,885)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,405)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Olive Branch grew 10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.1% growth in Southaven over the same period.
Olive Branch, MS
$38,920 (2024) → $42,860 (2025)
Southaven, MS
$40,466 (2024) → $44,562 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olive Branch, MS
Southaven, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Olive Branch or Southaven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olive Branch and Southaven?
Should I relocate from Olive Branch to Southaven as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Olive Branch vs Southaven?
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