Athletic Trainer Salary

Pomona vs Sacramento: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Pomona, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Pomona, CA
$83,909
$40.35/hr
Sacramento, CA
$81,172
$39.03/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPomona, CASacramento, CA
Median Salary$83,909$81,172
Hourly Rate$40.35$39.03
Entry Level (P10)$63,158$59,943
25th Percentile$72,716$66,984
75th Percentile$100,195$89,971
Top Earner (P90)$119,256$111,169
Total Employed3660
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Pomona ($83,909) and Sacramento ($81,172) athletic trainer salaries.PomonaSacramentoMedian Salary$83,909$81,172Entry Level (P10)$63,158$59,943Top Earner (P90)$119,256$111,169US Median $65,415

Verdict

Pomona, CA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.

The salary gap between Pomona and Sacramento is $2,737 (3.37%). Pomona's median is +28.27% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pomona spans $56,098,Sacramento spans $51,226. Pomona has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Pomona
P10 (Entry)$63,158
P25$72,716
Median$83,909
P75$100,195
P90 (Top)$119,256
Sacramento
P10 (Entry)$59,943
P25$66,984
Median$81,172
P75$89,971
P90 (Top)$111,169

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($76,096 effective) pays 2.57% more than Pomona ($74,190 effective).

Pomona
Nominal: $83,909
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $74,190
Sacramento
Nominal: $81,172
CoL Index: 106.67
Adjusted: $76,096

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Pomona if…

  • Higher median salary ($83,909/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($119,256)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Sacramento if…

  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,096)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Pomona grew -4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.1% growth in Sacramento over the same period.

Pomona, CA

+-4.7%

$84,177 (2024) → $80,196 (2025)

Sacramento, CA

+37.1%

$56,580 (2019) → $77,580 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Pomona or Sacramento?

Pomona has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $83,909/year, compared to Sacramento at $81,172/year — a difference of $2,737 (3.37%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Pomona and Sacramento?

Pomona athletic trainers earn $40.35/hr while Sacramento hygienists earn $39.03/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Pomona to Sacramento as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Pomona and Sacramento. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Pomona = $74,190, Sacramento = $76,096), job availability (36 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Pomona vs Sacramento?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $63,158 in Pomona and $59,943 in Sacramento. The Pomona 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