Riverside vs San Diego: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Riverside, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,652▲ | $77,186 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.22▲ | $37.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,708▲ | $57,306 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,864▲ | $64,013 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,384 | $94,617▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,418 | $114,382▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 200 |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Riverside and San Diego is $6,466 (8.38%). Riverside's median is +27.88% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $28,710,San Diego spans $57,076. San Diego 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, Riverside ($78,589 effective) pays 13.92% more than San Diego ($68,986 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,652/year)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,589)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,382)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Riverside grew 38.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.8% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$57,670 (2019) → $79,950 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$52,380 (2019) → $73,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Riverside or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Riverside to San Diego as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Riverside vs San Diego?
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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