Athletic Trainer Salary

Atlanta vs Johns Creek: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Atlanta, GA and Johns Creek, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$69,202
$33.27/hr
Johns Creek, GA
$60,989
$29.32/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAJohns Creek, GA
Median Salary$69,202$60,989
Hourly Rate$33.27$29.32
Entry Level (P10)$52,639$48,425
25th Percentile$59,451$54,392
75th Percentile$90,787$73,122
Top Earner (P90)$126,236$86,669
Total Employed36018
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($69,202) and Johns Creek ($60,989) athletic trainer salaries.AtlantaJohns CreekMedian Salary$69,202$60,989Entry Level (P10)$52,639$48,425Top Earner (P90)$126,236$86,669US Median $65,415

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johns Creek.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Johns Creek is $8,213 (13.47%). Atlanta's median is +5.79% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $73,597,Johns Creek spans $38,244. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$52,639
P25$59,451
Median$69,202
P75$90,787
P90 (Top)$126,236
Johns Creek
P10 (Entry)$48,425
P25$54,392
Median$60,989
P75$73,122
P90 (Top)$86,669

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($69,162 effective) pays 5.58% more than Johns Creek ($65,509 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $69,202
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $69,162
Johns Creek
Nominal: $60,989
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $65,509

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($69,202/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($126,236)
  • Larger job market (360 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,162)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Johns Creek if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Atlanta grew 32.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Johns Creek over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+32.0%

$50,120 (2019) → $66,140 (2025)

Johns Creek, GA

+18.6%

$49,140 (2024) → $58,290 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Atlanta or Johns Creek?

Atlanta has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $69,202/year, compared to Johns Creek at $60,989/year — a difference of $8,213 (13.47%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Johns Creek?

Atlanta athletic trainers earn $33.27/hr while Johns Creek hygienists earn $29.32/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Johns Creek as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Johns Creek. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $69,162, Johns Creek = $65,509), job availability (360 vs 18 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Atlanta vs Johns Creek?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,639 in Atlanta and $48,425 in Johns Creek. The Atlanta 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