Athletic Trainer Salary

Franklin vs Worcester: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Franklin, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Franklin, MA
$67,669
$32.53/hr
Worcester, MA
$63,845
$30.70/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFranklin, MAWorcester, MA
Median Salary$67,669$63,845
Hourly Rate$32.53$30.70
Entry Level (P10)$54,899$51,760
25th Percentile$59,409$58,185
75th Percentile$79,655$79,268
Top Earner (P90)$92,533$94,554
Total Employed860
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Franklin ($67,669) and Worcester ($63,845) athletic trainer salaries.FranklinWorcesterMedian Salary$67,669$63,845Entry Level (P10)$54,899$51,760Top Earner (P90)$92,533$94,554US Median $65,415

Verdict

Franklin and Worcester are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Franklin and Worcester is $3,824 (5.99%). Franklin's median is +3.45% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Franklin spans $37,634,Worcester spans $42,794. Worcester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Franklin
P10 (Entry)$54,899
P25$59,409
Median$67,669
P75$79,655
P90 (Top)$92,533
Worcester
P10 (Entry)$51,760
P25$58,185
Median$63,845
P75$79,268
P90 (Top)$94,554

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Franklin ($62,368 effective) pays 0.15% more than Worcester ($62,274 effective).

Franklin
Nominal: $67,669
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $62,368
Worcester
Nominal: $63,845
CoL Index: 102.523
Adjusted: $62,274

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Franklin if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,669/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,368)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Worcester if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($94,554)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Franklin grew -8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.7% growth in Worcester over the same period.

Franklin, MA

+-8.1%

$70,344 (2024) → $64,675 (2025)

Worcester, MA

+25.7%

$48,560 (2019) → $61,020 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Franklin or Worcester?

Franklin has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $67,669/year, compared to Worcester at $63,845/year — a difference of $3,824 (5.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Franklin and Worcester?

Franklin athletic trainers earn $32.53/hr while Worcester hygienists earn $30.70/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Franklin to Worcester as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Franklin and Worcester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Franklin = $62,368, Worcester = $62,274), job availability (8 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Franklin vs Worcester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $54,899 in Franklin and $51,760 in Worcester. The Franklin 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