Riverside vs Santa Maria: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Riverside, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,652▲ | $81,180 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.22▲ | $39.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,708▲ | $63,560 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,864▲ | $71,963 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,384 | $98,581▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,418 | $118,147▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Maria.
The salary gap between Riverside and Santa Maria is $2,472 (3.05%). 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,Santa Maria spans $54,587. Santa Maria 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 9.49% more than Santa Maria ($71,777 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 Santa Maria if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,147)
- ✓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 59.3% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$57,670 (2019) → $79,950 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$48,720 (2020) → $77,588 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Riverside or Santa Maria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Santa Maria?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Santa Maria as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Riverside vs Santa Maria?
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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