Athletic Trainer Salary

Bradenton vs Miami: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Bradenton, FL and Miami, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bradenton, FL
$66,341
$31.89/hr
Miami, FL
$66,503
$31.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBradenton, FLMiami, FL
Median Salary$66,341$66,503
Hourly Rate$31.89$31.97
Entry Level (P10)$51,782$50,547
25th Percentile$57,044$59,660
75th Percentile$78,869$77,280
Top Earner (P90)$93,159$84,269
Total Employed13490
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bradenton ($66,341) and Miami ($66,503) athletic trainer salaries.BradentonMiamiMedian Salary$66,341$66,503Entry Level (P10)$51,782$50,547Top Earner (P90)$93,159$84,269US Median $65,415

Verdict

Miami, FL offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bradenton.

The salary gap between Bradenton and Miami is $162 (0.24%). Miami's median is +1.66% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bradenton spans $41,377,Miami spans $33,722. Bradenton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bradenton
P10 (Entry)$51,782
P25$57,044
Median$66,341
P75$78,869
P90 (Top)$93,159
Miami
P10 (Entry)$50,547
P25$59,660
Median$66,503
P75$77,280
P90 (Top)$84,269

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bradenton ($65,814 effective) pays 12.97% more than Miami ($58,257 effective).

Bradenton
Nominal: $66,341
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $65,814
Miami
Nominal: $66,503
CoL Index: 114.155
Adjusted: $58,257

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bradenton if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($93,159)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,814)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Miami if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,503/year)
  • Larger job market (490 employed)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Bradenton grew 15.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 44.7% growth in Miami over the same period.

Bradenton, FL

+15.9%

$54,705 (2024) → $63,405 (2025)

Miami, FL

+44.7%

$43,940 (2019) → $63,560 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Bradenton or Miami?

Miami has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $66,503/year, compared to Bradenton at $66,341/year — a difference of $162 (0.24%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bradenton and Miami?

Bradenton athletic trainers earn $31.89/hr while Miami hygienists earn $31.97/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bradenton to Miami as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bradenton and Miami. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bradenton = $65,814, Miami = $58,257), job availability (13 vs 490 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Bradenton vs Miami?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $51,782 in Bradenton and $50,547 in Miami. The Bradenton 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