Athletic Trainer Salary

Augusta vs South Fulton: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Augusta, GA and South Fulton, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Augusta, GA
$60,183
$28.93/hr
South Fulton, GA
$62,957
$30.27/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAugusta, GASouth Fulton, GA
Median Salary$60,183$62,957
Hourly Rate$28.93$30.27
Entry Level (P10)$52,901$45,159
25th Percentile$53,864$56,468
75th Percentile$71,117$74,749
Top Earner (P90)$101,366$88,512
Total Employed3024
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Augusta ($60,183) and South Fulton ($62,957) athletic trainer salaries.AugustaSouth FultonMedian Salary$60,183$62,957Entry Level (P10)$52,901$45,159Top Earner (P90)$101,366$88,512US Median $65,415

Verdict

Augusta and South Fulton are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Augusta and South Fulton is $2,774 (4.61%). South Fulton's median is -3.76% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $48,465,South Fulton spans $43,353. Augusta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Augusta
P10 (Entry)$52,901
P25$53,864
Median$60,183
P75$71,117
P90 (Top)$101,366
South Fulton
P10 (Entry)$45,159
P25$56,468
Median$62,957
P75$74,749
P90 (Top)$88,512

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, South Fulton ($67,623 effective) pays 3.26% more than Augusta ($65,485 effective).

Augusta
Nominal: $60,183
CoL Index: 91.903
Adjusted: $65,485
South Fulton
Nominal: $62,957
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $67,623

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Augusta if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($101,366)
  • Larger job market (30 employed)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose South Fulton if…

  • Higher median salary ($62,957/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,623)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Augusta grew 34.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in South Fulton over the same period.

Augusta, GA

+34.5%

$42,760 (2019) → $57,520 (2025)

South Fulton, GA

+18.6%

$50,726 (2024) → $60,171 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Augusta or South Fulton?

South Fulton has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $62,957/year, compared to Augusta at $60,183/year — a difference of $2,774 (4.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and South Fulton?

Augusta athletic trainers earn $28.93/hr while South Fulton hygienists earn $30.27/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Augusta to South Fulton as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Augusta and South Fulton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Augusta = $65,485, South Fulton = $67,623), job availability (30 vs 24 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Augusta vs South Fulton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $52,901 in Augusta and $45,159 in South Fulton. The Augusta 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