Athletic Trainer Salary

Philadelphia vs York: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Philadelphia, PA and York, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Philadelphia, PA
$66,796
$32.11/hr
York, PA
$71,305
$34.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhiladelphia, PAYork, PA
Median Salary$66,796$71,305
Hourly Rate$32.11$34.28
Entry Level (P10)$58,049$55,496
25th Percentile$64,096$59,325
75th Percentile$77,259$75,773
Top Earner (P90)$99,074$83,097
Total Employed77050
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Philadelphia ($66,796) and York ($71,305) athletic trainer salaries.PhiladelphiaYorkMedian Salary$66,796$71,305Entry Level (P10)$58,049$55,496Top Earner (P90)$99,074$83,097US Median $65,415

Verdict

Philadelphia and York are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Philadelphia and York is $4,509 (6.75%). York's median is +9.00% 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,York spans $27,601. Philadelphia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Philadelphia
P10 (Entry)$58,049
P25$64,096
Median$66,796
P75$77,259
P90 (Top)$99,074
York
P10 (Entry)$55,496
P25$59,325
Median$71,305
P75$75,773
P90 (Top)$83,097

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, York ($74,276 effective) pays 14.04% more than Philadelphia ($65,133 effective).

Philadelphia
Nominal: $66,796
CoL Index: 102.554
Adjusted: $65,133
York
Nominal: $71,305
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $74,276

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 York if…

  • Higher median salary ($71,305/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,276)
  • 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 32.7% growth in York over the same period.

Philadelphia, PA

+32.8%

$48,060 (2019) → $63,840 (2025)

York, PA

+32.7%

$51,350 (2019) → $68,150 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Philadelphia or York?

York has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $71,305/year, compared to Philadelphia at $66,796/year — a difference of $4,509 (6.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and York?

Philadelphia athletic trainers earn $32.11/hr while York hygienists earn $34.28/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Philadelphia to York as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Philadelphia and York. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Philadelphia = $65,133, York = $74,276), job availability (770 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Philadelphia vs York?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $58,049 in Philadelphia and $55,496 in York. The Philadelphia 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