Athletic Trainer Salary

Dothan vs Mobile: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Dothan, AL and Mobile, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dothan, AL
$51,294
$24.66/hr
Mobile, AL
$52,388
$25.18/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDothan, ALMobile, AL
Median Salary$51,294$52,388
Hourly Rate$24.66$25.18
Entry Level (P10)$39,316$41,193
25th Percentile$44,726$46,529
75th Percentile$61,641$64,473
Top Earner (P90)$72,933$66,084
Total Employed1860
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dothan ($51,294) and Mobile ($52,388) athletic trainer salaries.DothanMobileMedian Salary$51,294$52,388Entry Level (P10)$39,316$41,193Top Earner (P90)$72,933$66,084US Median $65,415

Verdict

Mobile, AL offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dothan.

The salary gap between Dothan and Mobile is $1,094 (2.13%). Mobile's median is -19.91% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dothan spans $33,617,Mobile spans $24,891. Dothan has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dothan
P10 (Entry)$39,316
P25$44,726
Median$51,294
P75$61,641
P90 (Top)$72,933
Mobile
P10 (Entry)$41,193
P25$46,529
Median$52,388
P75$64,473
P90 (Top)$66,084

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mobile ($59,466 effective) pays 1.90% more than Dothan ($58,355 effective).

Dothan
Nominal: $51,294
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $58,355
Mobile
Nominal: $52,388
CoL Index: 88.098
Adjusted: $59,466

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dothan if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($72,933)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Mobile if…

  • Higher median salary ($52,388/year)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,466)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Dothan grew 18.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.5% growth in Mobile over the same period.

Dothan, AL

+18.7%

$41,311 (2024) → $49,024 (2025)

Mobile, AL

+12.5%

$44,500 (2019) → $50,070 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Dothan or Mobile?

Mobile has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $52,388/year, compared to Dothan at $51,294/year — a difference of $1,094 (2.13%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dothan and Mobile?

Dothan athletic trainers earn $24.66/hr while Mobile hygienists earn $25.18/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dothan to Mobile as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dothan and Mobile. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dothan = $58,355, Mobile = $59,466), job availability (18 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Dothan vs Mobile?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $39,316 in Dothan and $41,193 in Mobile. The Mobile 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