Port St. Lucie vs Tampa: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Port St. Lucie, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Port St. Lucie, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,983▲ | $63,249 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.72▲ | $30.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,959 | $52,043▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,221 | $55,559▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,797▲ | $67,811 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,247▲ | $100,058 |
| Total Employed | 35 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Port St. Lucie, FL offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Port St. Lucie and Tampa is $2,734 (4.32%). Port St. Lucie's median is +0.87% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Port St. Lucie spans $54,288,Tampa spans $48,015. Port St. Lucie has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Port St. Lucie ($65,459 effective) pays 4.42% more than Tampa ($62,691 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Port St. Lucie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,983/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,247)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,459)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Port St. Lucie grew 7.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.9% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Port St. Lucie, FL
$58,651 (2024) → $63,063 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$45,820 (2019) → $60,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Port St. Lucie, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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