Forest Grove vs Portland: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Forest Grove, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Forest Grove, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,527▲ | $62,119 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.50▲ | $29.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,308 | $52,754▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,877 | $58,928▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,402 | $80,869▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,727 | $90,107▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Forest Grove and Portland are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Forest Grove and Portland is $3,408 (5.49%). Forest Grove's median is +0.17% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Forest Grove spans $38,419,Portland spans $37,353. Forest Grove 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, Forest Grove ($63,866 effective) pays 8.39% more than Portland ($58,925 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Forest Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,527/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,866)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,107)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Forest Grove grew 0.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in Portland over the same period.
Forest Grove, OR
$62,106 (2024) → $62,627 (2025)
Portland, OR
$51,730 (2019) → $59,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Forest Grove, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Forest Grove or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Forest Grove and Portland?
Should I relocate from Forest Grove to Portland as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Forest Grove vs Portland?
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