Athletic Trainer Salary

Tampa vs Wellington: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Tampa, FL and Wellington, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Tampa, FL
$63,249
$30.41/hr
Wellington, FL
$62,073
$29.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTampa, FLWellington, FL
Median Salary$63,249$62,073
Hourly Rate$30.41$29.84
Entry Level (P10)$52,043$49,222
25th Percentile$55,559$55,359
75th Percentile$67,811$75,827
Top Earner (P90)$100,058$90,315
Total Employed17010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Tampa ($63,249) and Wellington ($62,073) athletic trainer salaries.TampaWellingtonMedian Salary$63,249$62,073Entry Level (P10)$52,043$49,222Top Earner (P90)$100,058$90,315US Median $65,415

Verdict

Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wellington.

The salary gap between Tampa and Wellington is $1,176 (1.89%). Tampa's median is -3.31% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tampa spans $48,015,Wellington spans $41,093. Tampa has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Tampa
P10 (Entry)$52,043
P25$55,559
Median$63,249
P75$67,811
P90 (Top)$100,058
Wellington
P10 (Entry)$49,222
P25$55,359
Median$62,073
P75$75,827
P90 (Top)$90,315

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($62,691 effective) pays 1.80% more than Wellington ($61,580 effective).

Tampa
Nominal: $63,249
CoL Index: 100.89
Adjusted: $62,691
Wellington
Nominal: $62,073
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $61,580

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Tampa if…

  • Higher median salary ($63,249/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($100,058)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,691)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Wellington if…

  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Tampa grew 31.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in Wellington over the same period.

Tampa, FL

+31.9%

$45,820 (2019) → $60,450 (2025)

Wellington, FL

+7.5%

$55,175 (2024) → $59,326 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Tampa or Wellington?

Tampa has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $63,249/year, compared to Wellington at $62,073/year — a difference of $1,176 (1.89%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and Wellington?

Tampa athletic trainers earn $30.41/hr while Wellington hygienists earn $29.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Tampa to Wellington as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Tampa and Wellington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Tampa = $62,691, Wellington = $61,580), job availability (170 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Tampa vs Wellington?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,043 in Tampa and $49,222 in Wellington. The Tampa area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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