Athletic Trainer Salary

Sayreville vs Trenton: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Sayreville, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Sayreville, NJ
$73,222
$35.21/hr
Trenton, NJ
$82,564
$39.70/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSayreville, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$73,222$82,564
Hourly Rate$35.21$39.70
Entry Level (P10)$55,636$55,946
25th Percentile$65,961$70,625
75th Percentile$87,818$99,158
Top Earner (P90)$102,796$120,398
Total Employed950
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Sayreville ($73,222) and Trenton ($82,564) athletic trainer salaries.SayrevilleTrentonMedian Salary$73,222$82,564Entry Level (P10)$55,636$55,946Top Earner (P90)$102,796$120,398US Median $65,415

Verdict

Trenton, NJ offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sayreville.

The salary gap between Sayreville and Trenton is $9,342 (12.76%). Trenton's median is +26.22% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sayreville spans $47,160,Trenton spans $64,452. Trenton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Sayreville
P10 (Entry)$55,636
P25$65,961
Median$73,222
P75$87,818
P90 (Top)$102,796
Trenton
P10 (Entry)$55,946
P25$70,625
Median$82,564
P75$99,158
P90 (Top)$120,398

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($80,019 effective) pays 25.89% more than Sayreville ($63,561 effective).

Sayreville
Nominal: $73,222
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $63,561
Trenton
Nominal: $82,564
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $80,019

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Sayreville if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Trenton if…

  • Higher median salary ($82,564/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($120,398)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,019)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Sayreville grew -5.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Sayreville, NJ

+-5.3%

$73,878 (2024) → $69,982 (2025)

Trenton, NJ

+28.5%

$61,420 (2019) → $78,910 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Sayreville or Trenton?

Trenton has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $82,564/year, compared to Sayreville at $73,222/year — a difference of $9,342 (12.76%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Sayreville and Trenton?

Sayreville athletic trainers earn $35.21/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $39.70/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Sayreville to Trenton as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Sayreville and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Sayreville = $63,561, Trenton = $80,019), job availability (9 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Sayreville vs Trenton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $55,636 in Sayreville and $55,946 in Trenton. The Trenton area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gomez, MS, ATCData verified by David Kim, BS, ATC

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