Portland vs West Linn: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Portland, OR and West Linn, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | West Linn, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,119 | $65,042▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.86 | $31.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,754▲ | $49,069 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,928 | $59,828▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,869▲ | $77,756 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,107 | $90,979▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 7 |
Verdict
West Linn, OR offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portland.
The salary gap between Portland and West Linn is $2,923 (4.71%). West Linn's median is -0.57% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $37,353,West Linn spans $41,910. West Linn 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, West Linn ($63,394 effective) pays 7.58% more than Portland ($58,925 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose West Linn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,042/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,979)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,394)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Portland grew 14.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.8% growth in West Linn over the same period.
Portland, OR
$51,730 (2019) → $59,370 (2025)
West Linn, OR
$61,647 (2024) → $62,164 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
West Linn, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Portland or West Linn?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and West Linn?
Should I relocate from Portland to West Linn as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Portland vs West Linn?
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