Fayetteville vs Springdale: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Springdale, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Springdale, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,237 | $66,257▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.37 | $31.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,896▲ | $50,309 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,916▲ | $57,367 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,882 | $79,164▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,489 | $93,699▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Springdale, AR offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Springdale is $1,020 (1.56%). Springdale's median is +1.29% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $25,593,Springdale spans $43,390. Springdale 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, Springdale ($76,245 effective) pays 6.77% more than Fayetteville ($71,412 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Springdale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,257/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,699)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,245)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Fayetteville grew 8.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 51.0% growth in Springdale over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$57,650 (2019) → $62,350 (2025)
Springdale, AR
$41,941 (2024) → $63,325 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Springdale, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Fayetteville or Springdale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Springdale?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Springdale as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Fayetteville vs Springdale?
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