Athletic Trainer Salary

Pawtucket vs Westerly: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Pawtucket, RI and Westerly, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Pawtucket, RI
$65,671
$31.58/hr
Westerly, RI
$61,395
$29.52/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPawtucket, RIWesterly, RI
Median Salary$65,671$61,395
Hourly Rate$31.58$29.52
Entry Level (P10)$49,167$52,435
25th Percentile$56,336$56,942
75th Percentile$77,941$69,560
Top Earner (P90)$96,171$82,537
Total Employed165
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Pawtucket ($65,671) and Westerly ($61,395) athletic trainer salaries.PawtucketWesterlyMedian Salary$65,671$61,395Entry Level (P10)$49,167$52,435Top Earner (P90)$96,171$82,537US Median $65,415

Verdict

Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Westerly.

The salary gap between Pawtucket and Westerly is $4,276 (6.96%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pawtucket spans $47,004,Westerly spans $30,102. Pawtucket has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Pawtucket
P10 (Entry)$49,167
P25$56,336
Median$65,671
P75$77,941
P90 (Top)$96,171
Westerly
P10 (Entry)$52,435
P25$56,942
Median$61,395
P75$69,560
P90 (Top)$82,537

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pawtucket ($65,344 effective) pays 6.96% more than Westerly ($61,090 effective).

Pawtucket
Nominal: $65,671
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $65,344
Westerly
Nominal: $61,395
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $61,090

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Pawtucket if…

  • Higher median salary ($65,671/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($96,171)
  • Larger job market (16 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,344)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Westerly if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

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

Pawtucket, RI

+0.8%

$62,242 (2024) → $62,765 (2025)

Westerly, RI

+0.8%

$58,190 (2024) → $58,678 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Pawtucket or Westerly?

Pawtucket has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $65,671/year, compared to Westerly at $61,395/year — a difference of $4,276 (6.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Pawtucket and Westerly?

Pawtucket athletic trainers earn $31.58/hr while Westerly hygienists earn $29.52/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Pawtucket to Westerly as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Pawtucket and Westerly. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Pawtucket = $65,344, Westerly = $61,090), job availability (16 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Pawtucket vs Westerly?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $49,167 in Pawtucket and $52,435 in Westerly. The Westerly 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