Athletic Trainer Salary

Mesquite vs Reno: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Mesquite, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Mesquite, NV
$60,471
$29.08/hr
Reno, NV
$64,285
$30.91/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMesquite, NVReno, NV
Median Salary$60,471$64,285
Hourly Rate$29.08$30.91
Entry Level (P10)$47,282$42,323
25th Percentile$56,606$52,786
75th Percentile$68,980$85,776
Top Earner (P90)$82,268$111,755
Total Employed640
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Mesquite ($60,471) and Reno ($64,285) athletic trainer salaries.MesquiteRenoMedian Salary$60,471$64,285Entry Level (P10)$47,282$42,323Top Earner (P90)$82,268$111,755US Median $65,415

Verdict

Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesquite.

The salary gap between Mesquite and Reno is $3,814 (6.31%). Reno's median is -1.73% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesquite spans $34,986,Reno spans $69,432. Reno has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Mesquite
P10 (Entry)$47,282
P25$56,606
Median$60,471
P75$68,980
P90 (Top)$82,268
Reno
P10 (Entry)$42,323
P25$52,786
Median$64,285
P75$85,776
P90 (Top)$111,755

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Reno ($63,640 effective) pays 3.45% more than Mesquite ($61,517 effective).

Mesquite
Nominal: $60,471
CoL Index: 98.3
Adjusted: $61,517
Reno
Nominal: $64,285
CoL Index: 101.014
Adjusted: $63,640

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Mesquite if…

  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Choose Reno if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,285/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($111,755)
  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,640)
  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Mesquite grew 0.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.6% growth in Reno over the same period.

Mesquite, NV

+0.8%

$57,314 (2024) → $57,795 (2025)

Reno, NV

+26.6%

$48,530 (2024) → $61,440 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Mesquite or Reno?

Reno has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $64,285/year, compared to Mesquite at $60,471/year — a difference of $3,814 (6.31%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Mesquite and Reno?

Mesquite athletic trainers earn $29.08/hr while Reno hygienists earn $30.91/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Mesquite to Reno as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Mesquite and Reno. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Mesquite = $61,517, Reno = $63,640), job availability (6 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Mesquite vs Reno?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $47,282 in Mesquite and $42,323 in Reno. The Mesquite 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