Athletic Trainer Salary

Oklahoma City vs Sand Springs: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Sand Springs, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Oklahoma City, OK
$67,518
$32.46/hr
Sand Springs, OK
$53,450
$25.70/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOklahoma City, OKSand Springs, OK
Median Salary$67,518$53,450
Hourly Rate$32.46$25.70
Entry Level (P10)$38,650$44,224
25th Percentile$55,715$48,537
75th Percentile$80,126$62,693
Top Earner (P90)$90,139$72,114
Total Employed1706
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Oklahoma City ($67,518) and Sand Springs ($53,450) athletic trainer salaries.Oklahoma CitySand SpringsMedian Salary$67,518$53,450Entry Level (P10)$38,650$44,224Top Earner (P90)$90,139$72,114US Median $65,415

Verdict

Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sand Springs.

The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Sand Springs is $14,068 (26.32%). Oklahoma City's median is +3.21% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $51,489,Sand Springs spans $27,890. Oklahoma City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Oklahoma City
P10 (Entry)$38,650
P25$55,715
Median$67,518
P75$80,126
P90 (Top)$90,139
Sand Springs
P10 (Entry)$44,224
P25$48,537
Median$53,450
P75$62,693
P90 (Top)$72,114

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Oklahoma City ($74,681 effective) pays 24.21% more than Sand Springs ($60,124 effective).

Oklahoma City
Nominal: $67,518
CoL Index: 90.408
Adjusted: $74,681
Sand Springs
Nominal: $53,450
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $60,124

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Oklahoma City if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,518/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($90,139)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,681)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Sand Springs if…

  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Oklahoma City grew 42.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Sand Springs over the same period.

Oklahoma City, OK

+42.6%

$45,250 (2019) → $64,530 (2025)

Sand Springs, OK

+20.2%

$42,490 (2024) → $51,085 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Oklahoma City or Sand Springs?

Oklahoma City has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $67,518/year, compared to Sand Springs at $53,450/year — a difference of $14,068 (26.32%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Sand Springs?

Oklahoma City athletic trainers earn $32.46/hr while Sand Springs hygienists earn $25.70/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Sand Springs as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Oklahoma City and Sand Springs. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Oklahoma City = $74,681, Sand Springs = $60,124), job availability (170 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Oklahoma City vs Sand Springs?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $38,650 in Oklahoma City and $44,224 in Sand Springs. The Sand Springs 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