Athletic Trainer Salary

Middletown vs New Haven: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Middletown, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Middletown, CT
$69,831
$33.58/hr
New Haven, CT
$70,761
$34.02/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMiddletown, CTNew Haven, CT
Median Salary$69,831$70,761
Hourly Rate$33.58$34.02
Entry Level (P10)$55,161$53,309
25th Percentile$61,756$65,341
75th Percentile$82,530$83,160
Top Earner (P90)$96,377$111,651
Total Employed770
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Middletown ($69,831) and New Haven ($70,761) athletic trainer salaries.MiddletownNew HavenMedian Salary$69,831$70,761Entry Level (P10)$55,161$53,309Top Earner (P90)$96,377$111,651US Median $65,415

Verdict

New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.

The salary gap between Middletown and New Haven is $930 (1.33%). New Haven's median is +8.17% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Middletown spans $41,216,New Haven spans $58,342. New Haven has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Middletown
P10 (Entry)$55,161
P25$61,756
Median$69,831
P75$82,530
P90 (Top)$96,377
New Haven
P10 (Entry)$53,309
P25$65,341
Median$70,761
P75$83,160
P90 (Top)$111,651

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, New Haven ($67,676 effective) pays 4.57% more than Middletown ($64,718 effective).

Middletown
Nominal: $69,831
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $64,718
New Haven
Nominal: $70,761
CoL Index: 104.559
Adjusted: $67,676

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Middletown if…

  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose New Haven if…

  • Higher median salary ($70,761/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($111,651)
  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,676)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Middletown grew -5.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.0% growth in New Haven over the same period.

Middletown, CT

+-5.3%

$70,456 (2024) → $66,741 (2025)

New Haven, CT

+15.0%

$58,800 (2019) → $67,630 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Middletown or New Haven?

New Haven has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $70,761/year, compared to Middletown at $69,831/year — a difference of $930 (1.33%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Middletown and New Haven?

Middletown athletic trainers earn $33.58/hr while New Haven hygienists earn $34.02/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Middletown to New Haven as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Middletown and New Haven. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Middletown = $64,718, New Haven = $67,676), job availability (7 vs 70 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Middletown vs New Haven?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $55,161 in Middletown and $53,309 in New Haven. The Middletown 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