Apple Valley vs Sacramento: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Apple Valley, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apple Valley, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,639 | $81,172▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.77 | $39.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,661 | $59,943▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,481▲ | $66,984 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,295▲ | $89,971 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,871▲ | $111,169 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Apple Valley.
The salary gap between Apple Valley and Sacramento is $533 (0.66%). Sacramento's median is +24.09% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apple Valley spans $52,210,Sacramento spans $51,226. Apple Valley 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, Sacramento ($76,096 effective) pays 6.73% more than Apple Valley ($71,299 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apple Valley if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,871)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,172/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,096)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Apple Valley grew -4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.1% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Apple Valley, CA
$80,898 (2024) → $77,071 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$56,580 (2019) → $77,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apple Valley, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Apple Valley or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apple Valley and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Apple Valley to Sacramento as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Apple Valley vs Sacramento?
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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