Athletic Trainer Salary

Denver vs Greeley: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Denver, CO and Greeley, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Denver, CO
$67,570
$32.49/hr
Greeley, CO
$68,176
$32.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDenver, COGreeley, CO
Median Salary$67,570$68,176
Hourly Rate$32.49$32.78
Entry Level (P10)$40,115$52,514
25th Percentile$58,593$59,833
75th Percentile$77,144$83,708
Top Earner (P90)$108,020$100,500
Total Employed16026
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Denver ($67,570) and Greeley ($68,176) athletic trainer salaries.DenverGreeleyMedian Salary$67,570$68,176Entry Level (P10)$40,115$52,514Top Earner (P90)$108,020$100,500US Median $65,415

Verdict

Denver and Greeley are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Denver and Greeley is $606 (0.90%). Greeley's median is +4.22% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $67,905,Greeley spans $47,986. Denver has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Denver
P10 (Entry)$40,115
P25$58,593
Median$67,570
P75$77,144
P90 (Top)$108,020
Greeley
P10 (Entry)$52,514
P25$59,833
Median$68,176
P75$83,708
P90 (Top)$100,500

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Greeley ($64,930 effective) pays 1.65% more than Denver ($63,877 effective).

Denver
Nominal: $67,570
CoL Index: 105.782
Adjusted: $63,877
Greeley
Nominal: $68,176
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $64,930

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Denver if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($108,020)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Greeley if…

  • Higher median salary ($68,176/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,930)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Denver grew 31.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Greeley over the same period.

Denver, CO

+31.2%

$49,210 (2019) → $64,580 (2025)

Greeley, CO

+7.8%

$60,449 (2024) → $65,159 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Denver or Greeley?

Greeley has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $68,176/year, compared to Denver at $67,570/year — a difference of $606 (0.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Greeley?

Denver athletic trainers earn $32.49/hr while Greeley hygienists earn $32.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Denver to Greeley as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Denver and Greeley. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Denver = $63,877, Greeley = $64,930), job availability (160 vs 26 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Denver vs Greeley?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $40,115 in Denver and $52,514 in Greeley. The Greeley area offers higher starting salaries.
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