Athletic Trainer Salary

Lombard vs Springfield: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Lombard, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lombard, IL
$61,545
$29.59/hr
Springfield, IL
$62,893
$30.24/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLombard, ILSpringfield, IL
Median Salary$61,545$62,893
Hourly Rate$29.59$30.24
Entry Level (P10)$46,480$48,271
25th Percentile$56,601$55,018
75th Percentile$73,517$77,015
Top Earner (P90)$86,221$92,610
Total Employed822
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lombard ($61,545) and Springfield ($62,893) athletic trainer salaries.LombardSpringfieldMedian Salary$61,545$62,893Entry Level (P10)$46,480$48,271Top Earner (P90)$86,221$92,610US Median $65,415

Verdict

Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lombard.

The salary gap between Lombard and Springfield is $1,348 (2.19%). Springfield's median is -3.86% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lombard spans $39,741,Springfield spans $44,339. Springfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Lombard
P10 (Entry)$46,480
P25$56,601
Median$61,545
P75$73,517
P90 (Top)$86,221
Springfield
P10 (Entry)$48,271
P25$55,018
Median$62,893
P75$77,015
P90 (Top)$92,610

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($64,771 effective) pays 2.19% more than Lombard ($63,383 effective).

Lombard
Nominal: $61,545
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $63,383
Springfield
Nominal: $62,893
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $64,771

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lombard if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Springfield if…

  • Higher median salary ($62,893/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($92,610)
  • Larger job market (22 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,771)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Lombard grew 7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.2% growth in Springfield over the same period.

Lombard, IL

+7.8%

$54,569 (2024) → $58,822 (2025)

Springfield, IL

+7.2%

$56,050 (2019) → $60,110 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Lombard or Springfield?

Springfield has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $62,893/year, compared to Lombard at $61,545/year — a difference of $1,348 (2.19%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lombard and Springfield?

Lombard athletic trainers earn $29.59/hr while Springfield hygienists earn $30.24/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lombard to Springfield as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lombard and Springfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lombard = $63,383, Springfield = $64,771), job availability (8 vs 22 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Lombard vs Springfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $46,480 in Lombard and $48,271 in Springfield. The Springfield 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