Sand Springs vs Tulsa: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Sand Springs, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sand Springs, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,450 | $62,035▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.70 | $29.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,224 | $46,184▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,537 | $53,728▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,693 | $74,109▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,114 | $78,765▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sand Springs.
The salary gap between Sand Springs and Tulsa is $8,585 (16.06%). Tulsa's median is -5.17% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sand Springs spans $27,890,Tulsa spans $32,581. Tulsa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($69,535 effective) pays 15.65% more than Sand Springs ($60,124 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sand Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,035/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,765)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,535)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Sand Springs grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Sand Springs, OK
$42,490 (2024) → $51,085 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$50,670 (2019) → $59,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sand Springs, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Sand Springs or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sand Springs and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Sand Springs to Tulsa as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Sand Springs vs Tulsa?
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