Eugene vs Grants Pass: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Eugene, OR and Grants Pass, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Grants Pass, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,524▲ | $64,808 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.47▲ | $31.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,494 | $53,852▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,333▲ | $59,342 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,482▲ | $77,200 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,088▲ | $90,198 |
| Total Employed | 32▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grants Pass.
The salary gap between Eugene and Grants Pass is $2,716 (4.19%). Eugene's median is +3.22% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $45,594,Grants Pass spans $36,346. Eugene has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Eugene ($65,813 effective) pays 4.19% more than Grants Pass ($63,166 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,524/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,088)
- ✓Larger job market (32 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,813)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Grants Pass if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Eugene grew 0.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.8% growth in Grants Pass over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$63,999 (2024) → $64,536 (2025)
Grants Pass, OR
$61,425 (2024) → $61,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Grants Pass, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Eugene or Grants Pass?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Grants Pass?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Grants Pass as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Eugene vs Grants Pass?
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