Bellingham vs Spokane: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Bellingham, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,195▲ | $66,702 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.74▲ | $32.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,293 | $53,267▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,237▲ | $53,864 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,330▲ | $66,702 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,829▲ | $73,210 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Bellingham, WA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Spokane is $3,493 (5.24%). Bellingham's median is +7.31% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $50,536,Spokane spans $19,943. Bellingham 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, Spokane ($66,472 effective) pays 1.70% more than Bellingham ($65,358 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,195/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,829)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,472)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Bellingham grew -2.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.9% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$68,677 (2024) → $67,089 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$47,250 (2019) → $63,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Bellingham or Spokane?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Spokane?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Spokane as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Bellingham vs Spokane?
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