Richmond vs San Francisco: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Richmond, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,708▲ | $81,444 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.76▲ | $39.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,355▲ | $53,351 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,236 | $72,467▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,121 | $103,542▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,157 | $130,557▲ |
| Total Employed | 25 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Richmond and San Francisco are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Richmond and San Francisco is $1,264 (1.55%). Richmond's median is +26.44% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $57,802,San Francisco spans $77,206. San Francisco 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, Richmond ($73,128 effective) pays 3.81% more than San Francisco ($70,445 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,708/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,128)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,557)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Richmond grew -4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Richmond, CA
$82,973 (2024) → $79,048 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$59,730 (2019) → $77,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Richmond or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Richmond to San Francisco as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Richmond vs San Francisco?
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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