Athletic Trainer Salary

Kennewick vs Kent: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Kennewick, WA and Kent, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kennewick, WA
$69,699
$33.51/hr
Kent, WA
$70,131
$33.72/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKennewick, WAKent, WA
Median Salary$69,699$70,131
Hourly Rate$33.51$33.72
Entry Level (P10)$51,415$54,707
25th Percentile$63,397$62,015
75th Percentile$82,146$86,558
Top Earner (P90)$101,110$104,413
Total Employed1933
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kennewick ($69,699) and Kent ($70,131) athletic trainer salaries.KennewickKentMedian Salary$69,699$70,131Entry Level (P10)$51,415$54,707Top Earner (P90)$101,110$104,413US Median $65,415

Verdict

Kent, WA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.

The salary gap between Kennewick and Kent is $432 (0.62%). Kent's median is +7.21% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $49,695,Kent spans $49,706. Kent has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Kennewick
P10 (Entry)$51,415
P25$63,397
Median$69,699
P75$82,146
P90 (Top)$101,110
Kent
P10 (Entry)$54,707
P25$62,015
Median$70,131
P75$86,558
P90 (Top)$104,413

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kent ($65,299 effective) pays 0.62% more than Kennewick ($64,897 effective).

Kennewick
Nominal: $69,699
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $64,897
Kent
Nominal: $70,131
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $65,299

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kennewick if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Kent if…

  • Higher median salary ($70,131/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($104,413)
  • Larger job market (33 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,299)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Kennewick grew -2.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.3% growth in Kent over the same period.

Kennewick, WA

+-2.3%

$68,193 (2024) → $66,615 (2025)

Kent, WA

+-2.3%

$68,615 (2024) → $67,028 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Kennewick or Kent?

Kent has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $70,131/year, compared to Kennewick at $69,699/year — a difference of $432 (0.62%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Kent?

Kennewick athletic trainers earn $33.51/hr while Kent hygienists earn $33.72/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kennewick to Kent as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kennewick and Kent. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kennewick = $64,897, Kent = $65,299), job availability (19 vs 33 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Kennewick vs Kent?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $51,415 in Kennewick and $54,707 in Kent. The Kent area offers higher starting salaries.
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