Athletic Trainer Salary

Dallas vs The Colony: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Dallas, TX and The Colony, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$65,415
$31.45/hr
The Colony, TX
$68,045
$32.72/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXThe Colony, TX
Median Salary$65,415$68,045
Hourly Rate$31.45$32.72
Entry Level (P10)$65,300$52,448
25th Percentile$65,300$59,215
75th Percentile$90,107$79,589
Top Earner (P90)$114,716$92,211
Total Employed7909
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($65,415) and The Colony ($68,045) athletic trainer salaries.DallasThe ColonyMedian Salary$65,415$68,045Entry Level (P10)$65,300$52,448Top Earner (P90)$114,716$92,211US Median $65,415

Verdict

Dallas and The Colony are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Dallas and The Colony is $2,630 (4.02%). The Colony's median is +4.02% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $49,416,The Colony spans $39,763. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$65,300
P25$65,300
Median$65,415
P75$90,107
P90 (Top)$114,716
The Colony
P10 (Entry)$52,448
P25$59,215
Median$68,045
P75$79,589
P90 (Top)$92,211

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, The Colony ($70,880 effective) pays 11.70% more than Dallas ($63,454 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $65,415
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $63,454
The Colony
Nominal: $68,045
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $70,880

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($114,716)
  • Larger job market (790 employed)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose The Colony if…

  • Higher median salary ($68,045/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,880)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Dallas grew 7.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.7% growth in The Colony over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+7.3%

$58,270 (2019) → $62,520 (2025)

The Colony, TX

+11.7%

$58,217 (2024) → $65,034 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Dallas or The Colony?

The Colony has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $68,045/year, compared to Dallas at $65,415/year — a difference of $2,630 (4.02%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and The Colony?

Dallas athletic trainers earn $31.45/hr while The Colony hygienists earn $32.72/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to The Colony as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and The Colony. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $63,454, The Colony = $70,880), job availability (790 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Dallas vs The Colony?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $65,300 in Dallas and $52,448 in The Colony. The Dallas 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