Athletic Trainer Salary

Bullhead City vs Tucson: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Bullhead City, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bullhead City, AZ
$62,753
$30.16/hr
Tucson, AZ
$63,960
$30.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBullhead City, AZTucson, AZ
Median Salary$62,753$63,960
Hourly Rate$30.16$30.75
Entry Level (P10)$50,944$48,444
25th Percentile$56,707$48,444
75th Percentile$75,339$66,440
Top Earner (P90)$88,536$80,816
Total Employed940
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bullhead City ($62,753) and Tucson ($63,960) athletic trainer salaries.Bullhead CityTucsonMedian Salary$62,753$63,960Entry Level (P10)$50,944$48,444Top Earner (P90)$88,536$80,816US Median $65,415

Verdict

Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bullhead City.

The salary gap between Bullhead City and Tucson is $1,207 (1.92%). Tucson's median is -2.22% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bullhead City spans $37,592,Tucson spans $32,372. Bullhead City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bullhead City
P10 (Entry)$50,944
P25$56,707
Median$62,753
P75$75,339
P90 (Top)$88,536
Tucson
P10 (Entry)$48,444
P25$48,444
Median$63,960
P75$66,440
P90 (Top)$80,816

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tucson ($66,009 effective) pays 3.61% more than Bullhead City ($63,709 effective).

Bullhead City
Nominal: $62,753
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $63,709
Tucson
Nominal: $63,960
CoL Index: 96.896
Adjusted: $66,009

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bullhead City if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($88,536)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Tucson if…

  • Higher median salary ($63,960/year)
  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,009)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Bullhead City grew 7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.1% growth in Tucson over the same period.

Bullhead City, AZ

+7.8%

$55,640 (2024) → $59,976 (2025)

Tucson, AZ

+20.1%

$50,900 (2019) → $61,130 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Bullhead City or Tucson?

Tucson has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $63,960/year, compared to Bullhead City at $62,753/year — a difference of $1,207 (1.92%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bullhead City and Tucson?

Bullhead City athletic trainers earn $30.16/hr while Tucson hygienists earn $30.75/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bullhead City to Tucson as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bullhead City and Tucson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bullhead City = $63,709, Tucson = $66,009), job availability (9 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Bullhead City vs Tucson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $50,944 in Bullhead City and $48,444 in Tucson. The Bullhead City 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