Athletic Trainer Salary

Austin vs Keller: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Austin, TX and Keller, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, TX
$67,120
$32.27/hr
Keller, TX
$66,107
$31.79/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXKeller, TX
Median Salary$67,120$66,107
Hourly Rate$32.27$31.79
Entry Level (P10)$66,252$53,274
25th Percentile$67,120$59,243
75th Percentile$67,120$78,885
Top Earner (P90)$81,726$90,140
Total Employed6507
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($67,120) and Keller ($66,107) athletic trainer salaries.AustinKellerMedian Salary$67,120$66,107Entry Level (P10)$66,252$53,274Top Earner (P90)$81,726$90,140US Median $65,415

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Keller.

The salary gap between Austin and Keller is $1,013 (1.53%). Austin's median is +2.61% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $15,474,Keller spans $36,866. Keller has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$66,252
P25$67,120
Median$67,120
P75$67,120
P90 (Top)$81,726
Keller
P10 (Entry)$53,274
P25$59,243
Median$66,107
P75$78,885
P90 (Top)$90,140

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Keller ($68,861 effective) pays 0.61% more than Austin ($68,444 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $67,120
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $68,444
Keller
Nominal: $66,107
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $68,861

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,120/year)
  • Larger job market (650 employed)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Keller if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($90,140)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,861)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Austin grew 7.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.7% growth in Keller over the same period.

Austin, TX

+7.0%

$59,930 (2019) → $64,150 (2025)

Keller, TX

+11.7%

$56,559 (2024) → $63,182 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Austin or Keller?

Austin has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $67,120/year, compared to Keller at $66,107/year — a difference of $1,013 (1.53%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Keller?

Austin athletic trainers earn $32.27/hr while Keller hygienists earn $31.79/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Keller as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Keller. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $68,444, Keller = $68,861), job availability (650 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Austin vs Keller?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $66,252 in Austin and $53,274 in Keller. The Austin 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