Salem vs The Dalles: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Salem, OR and The Dalles, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | The Dalles, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,142▲ | $62,204 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.76▲ | $29.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,546 | $52,330▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,588▲ | $57,113 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,044▲ | $73,574 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,085▲ | $84,916 |
| Total Employed | 44▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to The Dalles.
The salary gap between Salem and The Dalles is $5,938 (9.55%). Salem's median is +4.17% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $51,539,The Dalles spans $32,586. Salem has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($66,415 effective) pays 9.55% more than The Dalles ($60,628 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,142/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,085)
- ✓Larger job market (44 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,415)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose The Dalles if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Salem grew 38.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.8% growth in The Dalles over the same period.
Salem, OR
$46,920 (2019) → $65,127 (2025)
The Dalles, OR
$58,956 (2024) → $59,451 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
The Dalles, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Salem or The Dalles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and The Dalles?
Should I relocate from Salem to The Dalles as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Salem vs The Dalles?
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.
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