Athletic Trainer Salary

Springfield vs Wentzville: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Springfield, MO and Wentzville, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Springfield, MO
$56,427
$27.13/hr
Wentzville, MO
$59,759
$28.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSpringfield, MOWentzville, MO
Median Salary$56,427$59,759
Hourly Rate$27.13$28.73
Entry Level (P10)$48,988$48,490
25th Percentile$53,183$52,471
75th Percentile$68,250$70,259
Top Earner (P90)$71,808$81,874
Total Employed5010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Springfield ($56,427) and Wentzville ($59,759) athletic trainer salaries.SpringfieldWentzvilleMedian Salary$56,427$59,759Entry Level (P10)$48,988$48,490Top Earner (P90)$71,808$81,874US Median $65,415

Verdict

Wentzville, MO offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.

The salary gap between Springfield and Wentzville is $3,332 (5.90%). Wentzville's median is -8.65% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $22,820,Wentzville spans $33,384. Wentzville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Springfield
P10 (Entry)$48,988
P25$53,183
Median$56,427
P75$68,250
P90 (Top)$71,808
Wentzville
P10 (Entry)$48,490
P25$52,471
Median$59,759
P75$70,259
P90 (Top)$81,874

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Wentzville ($66,695 effective) pays 4.71% more than Springfield ($63,698 effective).

Springfield
Nominal: $56,427
CoL Index: 88.585
Adjusted: $63,698
Wentzville
Nominal: $59,759
CoL Index: 89.6
Adjusted: $66,695

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Springfield if…

  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Choose Wentzville if…

  • Higher median salary ($59,759/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($81,874)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,695)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Springfield grew 18.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in Wentzville over the same period.

Springfield, MO

+18.5%

$45,510 (2019) → $53,930 (2025)

Wentzville, MO

+28.6%

$44,426 (2024) → $57,115 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Springfield or Wentzville?

Wentzville has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $59,759/year, compared to Springfield at $56,427/year — a difference of $3,332 (5.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Wentzville?

Springfield athletic trainers earn $27.13/hr while Wentzville hygienists earn $28.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Springfield to Wentzville as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Springfield and Wentzville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Springfield = $63,698, Wentzville = $66,695), job availability (50 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Springfield vs Wentzville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $48,988 in Springfield and $48,490 in Wentzville. The Springfield 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