Carson City vs Reno: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Carson City, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carson City, NV | Reno, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,664 | $64,285▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.12 | $30.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,458▲ | $42,323 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,663▲ | $52,786 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,907 | $85,776▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,678 | $111,755▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carson City.
The salary gap between Carson City and Reno is $1,621 (2.59%). Reno's median is -1.73% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carson City spans $39,220,Reno spans $69,432. Reno has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Carson City ($63,748 effective) pays 0.17% more than Reno ($63,640 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carson City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,748)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Reno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,285/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,755)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Carson City grew 0.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.6% growth in Reno over the same period.
Carson City, NV
$59,393 (2024) → $59,891 (2025)
Reno, NV
$48,530 (2024) → $61,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carson City, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Carson City or Reno?
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Should I relocate from Carson City to Reno as a athletic trainer?
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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