San Francisco vs Santa Cruz: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between San Francisco, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,444▲ | $81,180 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.15▲ | $39.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,351 | $65,059▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,467 | $72,851▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,542▲ | $94,688 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,557▲ | $119,077 |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 12 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Cruz.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Santa Cruz is $264 (0.33%). San Francisco's median is +24.50% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $77,206,Santa Cruz spans $54,018. San Francisco 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, Santa Cruz ($71,777 effective) pays 1.89% 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 San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,444/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,557)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,777)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in San Francisco grew 30.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.7% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$59,730 (2019) → $77,840 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$81,440 (2024) → $77,588 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: San Francisco or Santa Cruz?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Santa Cruz?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Santa Cruz as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in San Francisco vs Santa Cruz?
Related Comparisons
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