Philadelphia vs Bethlehem: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Bethlehem, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Bethlehem, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,796 | $66,826▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.11 | $32.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,049▲ | $51,401 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,096▲ | $58,558 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,259 | $79,080▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,074▲ | $93,233 |
| Total Employed | 770▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Philadelphia and Bethlehem are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Bethlehem is $30 (0.04%). Bethlehem's median is +2.16% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $41,025,Bethlehem spans $41,832. Bethlehem 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, Bethlehem ($68,610 effective) pays 5.34% more than Philadelphia ($65,133 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,074)
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Bethlehem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,826/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,610)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Philadelphia grew 32.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.5% growth in Bethlehem over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$48,060 (2019) → $63,840 (2025)
Bethlehem, PA
$57,289 (2024) → $63,869 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Bethlehem, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Philadelphia or Bethlehem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Bethlehem?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Bethlehem as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Philadelphia vs Bethlehem?
Related Comparisons
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