Athletic Trainer Salary

Pearl vs Southaven: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Pearl, MS and Southaven, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Pearl, MS
$46,949
$22.57/hr
Southaven, MS
$46,625
$22.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPearl, MSSouthaven, MS
Median Salary$46,949$46,625
Hourly Rate$22.57$22.41
Entry Level (P10)$36,980$37,492
25th Percentile$41,588$41,936
75th Percentile$54,540$54,477
Top Earner (P90)$63,244$63,885
Total Employed614
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Pearl ($46,949) and Southaven ($46,625) athletic trainer salaries.PearlSouthavenMedian Salary$46,949$46,625Entry Level (P10)$36,980$37,492Top Earner (P90)$63,244$63,885US Median $65,415

Verdict

Pearl and Southaven are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Pearl and Southaven is $324 (0.69%). Pearl's median is -28.23% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pearl spans $26,264,Southaven spans $26,393. Southaven has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Pearl
P10 (Entry)$36,980
P25$41,588
Median$46,949
P75$54,540
P90 (Top)$63,244
Southaven
P10 (Entry)$37,492
P25$41,936
Median$46,625
P75$54,477
P90 (Top)$63,885

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pearl ($54,783 effective) pays 0.69% more than Southaven ($54,405 effective).

Pearl
Nominal: $46,949
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $54,783
Southaven
Nominal: $46,625
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $54,405

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Pearl if…

  • Higher median salary ($46,949/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,783)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Southaven if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($63,885)
  • Larger job market (14 employed)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Pearl grew 10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.1% growth in Southaven over the same period.

Pearl, MS

+10.1%

$40,746 (2024) → $44,871 (2025)

Southaven, MS

+10.1%

$40,466 (2024) → $44,562 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Pearl or Southaven?

Pearl has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $46,949/year, compared to Southaven at $46,625/year — a difference of $324 (0.69%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Pearl and Southaven?

Pearl athletic trainers earn $22.57/hr while Southaven hygienists earn $22.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Pearl to Southaven as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Pearl and Southaven. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Pearl = $54,783, Southaven = $54,405), job availability (6 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Pearl vs Southaven?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $36,980 in Pearl and $37,492 in Southaven. The Southaven 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