Raleigh vs Wilmington: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,537▲ | $58,572 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.07▲ | $28.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,541 | $52,870▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,759 | $56,668▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,949▲ | $69,757 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,180▲ | $79,017 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilmington is $3,965 (6.77%). Raleigh's median is -4.40% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $45,639,Wilmington spans $26,147. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($63,711 effective) pays 4.88% more than Wilmington ($60,745 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,537/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,180)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,711)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Raleigh grew 23.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.5% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$48,310 (2019) → $59,770 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$40,710 (2019) → $55,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Raleigh or Wilmington?
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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