Austin vs McAllen: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Austin, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,120 | $86,299▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.27 | $41.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,252▲ | $51,488 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,120 | $80,774▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,120 | $97,327▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,726 | $104,264▲ |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 90 |
Verdict
McAllen, TX offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and McAllen is $19,179 (28.57%). McAllen's median is +31.93% 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,McAllen spans $52,776. McAllen 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, McAllen ($100,470 effective) pays 46.79% more than Austin ($68,444 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,299/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,264)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,470)
- ✓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 26.6% growth in McAllen over the same period.
Austin, TX
$59,930 (2019) → $64,150 (2025)
McAllen, TX
$65,150 (2019) → $82,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
McAllen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Austin or McAllen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and McAllen?
Should I relocate from Austin to McAllen as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Austin vs McAllen?
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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