Athletic Trainer Salary

Hendersonville vs Nashville: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Hendersonville, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hendersonville, TN
$58,330
$28.04/hr
Nashville, TN
$64,693
$31.11/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHendersonville, TNNashville, TN
Median Salary$58,330$64,693
Hourly Rate$28.04$31.11
Entry Level (P10)$45,739$52,231
25th Percentile$50,312$58,540
75th Percentile$69,503$67,612
Top Earner (P90)$82,172$74,580
Total Employed13230
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hendersonville ($58,330) and Nashville ($64,693) athletic trainer salaries.HendersonvilleNashvilleMedian Salary$58,330$64,693Entry Level (P10)$45,739$52,231Top Earner (P90)$82,172$74,580US Median $65,415

Verdict

Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hendersonville.

The salary gap between Hendersonville and Nashville is $6,363 (10.91%). Nashville's median is -1.10% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hendersonville spans $36,433,Nashville spans $22,349. Hendersonville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hendersonville
P10 (Entry)$45,739
P25$50,312
Median$58,330
P75$69,503
P90 (Top)$82,172
Nashville
P10 (Entry)$52,231
P25$58,540
Median$64,693
P75$67,612
P90 (Top)$74,580

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($67,152 effective) pays 5.68% more than Hendersonville ($63,540 effective).

Hendersonville
Nominal: $58,330
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $63,540
Nashville
Nominal: $64,693
CoL Index: 96.338
Adjusted: $67,152

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hendersonville if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($82,172)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Nashville if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,693/year)
  • Larger job market (230 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,152)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Hendersonville grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.5% growth in Nashville over the same period.

Hendersonville, TN

+20.2%

$46,368 (2024) → $55,749 (2025)

Nashville, TN

+38.5%

$44,650 (2019) → $61,830 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Hendersonville or Nashville?

Nashville has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $64,693/year, compared to Hendersonville at $58,330/year — a difference of $6,363 (10.91%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hendersonville and Nashville?

Hendersonville athletic trainers earn $28.04/hr while Nashville hygienists earn $31.11/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hendersonville to Nashville as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hendersonville and Nashville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hendersonville = $63,540, Nashville = $67,152), job availability (13 vs 230 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Hendersonville vs Nashville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $45,739 in Hendersonville and $52,231 in Nashville. The Nashville 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