Athletic Trainer Salary

Bedford vs Nashua: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Bedford, NH and Nashua, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bedford, NH
$66,108
$31.79/hr
Nashua, NH
$61,431
$29.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBedford, NHNashua, NH
Median Salary$66,108$61,431
Hourly Rate$31.79$29.54
Entry Level (P10)$51,573$45,804
25th Percentile$62,008$52,557
75th Percentile$77,970$72,861
Top Earner (P90)$90,127$85,667
Total Employed621
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bedford ($66,108) and Nashua ($61,431) athletic trainer salaries.BedfordNashuaMedian Salary$66,108$61,431Entry Level (P10)$51,573$45,804Top Earner (P90)$90,127$85,667US Median $65,415

Verdict

Bedford, NH offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Nashua.

The salary gap between Bedford and Nashua is $4,677 (7.61%). Bedford's median is +1.06% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bedford spans $38,554,Nashua spans $39,863. Nashua has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Bedford
P10 (Entry)$51,573
P25$62,008
Median$66,108
P75$77,970
P90 (Top)$90,127
Nashua
P10 (Entry)$45,804
P25$52,557
Median$61,431
P75$72,861
P90 (Top)$85,667

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bedford ($61,610 effective) pays 7.61% more than Nashua ($57,252 effective).

Bedford
Nominal: $66,108
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $61,610
Nashua
Nominal: $61,431
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $57,252

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bedford if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,108/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($90,127)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,610)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Nashua if…

  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Bedford grew 7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.4% growth in Nashua over the same period.

Bedford, NH

+7.8%

$58,615 (2024) → $63,183 (2025)

Nashua, NH

+-5.4%

$62,048 (2024) → $58,713 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Bedford or Nashua?

Bedford has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $66,108/year, compared to Nashua at $61,431/year — a difference of $4,677 (7.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bedford and Nashua?

Bedford athletic trainers earn $31.79/hr while Nashua hygienists earn $29.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bedford to Nashua as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bedford and Nashua. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bedford = $61,610, Nashua = $57,252), job availability (6 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Bedford vs Nashua?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $51,573 in Bedford and $45,804 in Nashua. The Bedford area offers higher starting salaries.
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