Charleston vs Huntington: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Charleston, WV and Huntington, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | Huntington, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,714 | $67,340▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.79 | $32.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,326 | $48,370▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,941 | $60,141▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,525 | $84,164▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,366 | $86,299▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Huntington, WV offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and Huntington is $11,626 (20.87%). Huntington's median is +2.94% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $33,040,Huntington spans $37,929. Huntington 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, Huntington ($76,158 effective) pays 18.24% more than Charleston ($64,409 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Huntington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,340/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,299)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,158)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Charleston grew 22.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 71.2% growth in Huntington over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$43,590 (2019) → $53,249 (2025)
Huntington, WV
$37,600 (2021) → $64,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Huntington, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Charleston or Huntington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Huntington?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Huntington as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Charleston vs Huntington?
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