Athletic Trainer Salary

Albertville vs Birmingham: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Albertville, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Albertville, AL
$50,181
$24.13/hr
Birmingham, AL
$48,423
$23.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbertville, ALBirmingham, AL
Median Salary$50,181$48,423
Hourly Rate$24.13$23.28
Entry Level (P10)$40,821$42,605
25th Percentile$46,994$42,877
75th Percentile$57,261$62,987
Top Earner (P90)$65,303$66,764
Total Employed4400
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albertville ($50,181) and Birmingham ($48,423) athletic trainer salaries.AlbertvilleBirminghamMedian Salary$50,181$48,423Entry Level (P10)$40,821$42,605Top Earner (P90)$65,303$66,764US Median $65,415

Verdict

Albertville and Birmingham are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Albertville and Birmingham is $1,758 (3.63%). Albertville's median is -23.29% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albertville spans $24,482,Birmingham spans $24,159. Albertville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Albertville
P10 (Entry)$40,821
P25$46,994
Median$50,181
P75$57,261
P90 (Top)$65,303
Birmingham
P10 (Entry)$42,605
P25$42,877
Median$48,423
P75$62,987
P90 (Top)$66,764

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Albertville ($57,089 effective) pays 8.04% more than Birmingham ($52,838 effective).

Albertville
Nominal: $50,181
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $57,089
Birmingham
Nominal: $48,423
CoL Index: 91.644
Adjusted: $52,838

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Albertville if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,181/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,089)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Birmingham if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($66,764)
  • Larger job market (400 employed)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Albertville grew 18.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in Birmingham over the same period.

Albertville, AL

+18.7%

$40,414 (2024) → $47,960 (2025)

Birmingham, AL

+20.7%

$38,330 (2019) → $46,280 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Albertville or Birmingham?

Albertville has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $50,181/year, compared to Birmingham at $48,423/year — a difference of $1,758 (3.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albertville and Birmingham?

Albertville athletic trainers earn $24.13/hr while Birmingham hygienists earn $23.28/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albertville to Birmingham as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albertville and Birmingham. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albertville = $57,089, Birmingham = $52,838), job availability (4 vs 400 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Albertville vs Birmingham?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $40,821 in Albertville and $42,605 in Birmingham. The Birmingham 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