Athletic Trainer Salary

Coppell vs Houston: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Coppell, TX
$68,327
$32.85/hr
Houston, TX
$75,491
$36.30/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCoppell, TXHouston, TX
Median Salary$68,327$75,491
Hourly Rate$32.85$36.30
Entry Level (P10)$53,133$63,186
25th Percentile$59,807$63,197
75th Percentile$78,781$90,536
Top Earner (P90)$97,354$112,979
Total Employed8480
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Coppell ($68,327) and Houston ($75,491) athletic trainer salaries.CoppellHoustonMedian Salary$68,327$75,491Entry Level (P10)$53,133$63,186Top Earner (P90)$97,354$112,979US Median $65,415

Verdict

Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Coppell.

The salary gap between Coppell and Houston is $7,164 (10.48%). Houston's median is +15.40% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Coppell spans $44,221,Houston spans $49,793. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Coppell
P10 (Entry)$53,133
P25$59,807
Median$68,327
P75$78,781
P90 (Top)$97,354
Houston
P10 (Entry)$63,186
P25$63,197
Median$75,491
P75$90,536
P90 (Top)$112,979

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($76,540 effective) pays 7.54% more than Coppell ($71,174 effective).

Coppell
Nominal: $68,327
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $71,174
Houston
Nominal: $75,491
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $76,540

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Coppell if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Houston if…

  • Higher median salary ($75,491/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($112,979)
  • Larger job market (480 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,540)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Coppell grew 11.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -9.6% growth in Houston over the same period.

Coppell, TX

+11.7%

$58,457 (2024) → $65,303 (2025)

Houston, TX

+-9.6%

$79,810 (2019) → $72,150 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Coppell or Houston?

Houston has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $75,491/year, compared to Coppell at $68,327/year — a difference of $7,164 (10.48%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Coppell and Houston?

Coppell athletic trainers earn $32.85/hr while Houston hygienists earn $36.30/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Coppell to Houston as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Coppell and Houston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Coppell = $71,174, Houston = $76,540), job availability (8 vs 480 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Coppell vs Houston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $53,133 in Coppell and $63,186 in Houston. The Houston 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