Athletic Trainer Salary

Oneonta vs Rochester: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Oneonta, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Oneonta, NY
$60,786
$29.22/hr
Rochester, NY
$63,238
$30.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOneonta, NYRochester, NY
Median Salary$60,786$63,238
Hourly Rate$29.22$30.41
Entry Level (P10)$51,642$52,859
25th Percentile$56,323$56,437
75th Percentile$71,043$68,627
Top Earner (P90)$81,820$90,243
Total Employed5140
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Oneonta ($60,786) and Rochester ($63,238) athletic trainer salaries.OneontaRochesterMedian Salary$60,786$63,238Entry Level (P10)$51,642$52,859Top Earner (P90)$81,820$90,243US Median $65,415

Verdict

Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oneonta.

The salary gap between Oneonta and Rochester is $2,452 (4.03%). Rochester's median is -3.33% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oneonta spans $30,178,Rochester spans $37,384. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Oneonta
P10 (Entry)$51,642
P25$56,323
Median$60,786
P75$71,043
P90 (Top)$81,820
Rochester
P10 (Entry)$52,859
P25$56,437
Median$63,238
P75$68,627
P90 (Top)$90,243

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($65,170 effective) pays 24.26% more than Oneonta ($52,447 effective).

Oneonta
Nominal: $60,786
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $52,447
Rochester
Nominal: $63,238
CoL Index: 97.035
Adjusted: $65,170

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Oneonta if…

  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Choose Rochester if…

  • Higher median salary ($63,238/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($90,243)
  • Larger job market (140 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,170)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Oneonta grew -18.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.6% growth in Rochester over the same period.

Oneonta, NY

+-18.6%

$71,384 (2024) → $58,096 (2025)

Rochester, NY

+26.6%

$47,730 (2019) → $60,440 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Oneonta or Rochester?

Rochester has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $63,238/year, compared to Oneonta at $60,786/year — a difference of $2,452 (4.03%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Oneonta and Rochester?

Oneonta athletic trainers earn $29.22/hr while Rochester hygienists earn $30.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Oneonta to Rochester as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Oneonta and Rochester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Rochester = $65,170), job availability (5 vs 140 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Oneonta vs Rochester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $51,642 in Oneonta and $52,859 in Rochester. The Rochester 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