Athletic Trainer Salary

Houston vs Missouri City: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Houston, TX
$75,491
$36.30/hr
Missouri City, TX
$69,664
$33.49/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouston, TXMissouri City, TX
Median Salary$75,491$69,664
Hourly Rate$36.30$33.49
Entry Level (P10)$63,186$52,432
25th Percentile$63,197$59,968
75th Percentile$90,536$81,361
Top Earner (P90)$112,979$102,363
Total Employed48012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houston ($75,491) and Missouri City ($69,664) athletic trainer salaries.HoustonMissouri CityMedian Salary$75,491$69,664Entry Level (P10)$63,186$52,432Top Earner (P90)$112,979$102,363US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Houston and Missouri City is $5,827 (8.36%). 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 Houston spans $49,793,Missouri City spans $49,931. Missouri City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Houston
P10 (Entry)$63,186
P25$63,197
Median$75,491
P75$90,536
P90 (Top)$112,979
Missouri City
P10 (Entry)$52,432
P25$59,968
Median$69,664
P75$81,361
P90 (Top)$102,363

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($76,540 effective) pays 5.48% more than Missouri City ($72,567 effective).

Houston
Nominal: $75,491
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $76,540
Missouri City
Nominal: $69,664
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $72,567

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Missouri City if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Houston grew -9.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.7% growth in Missouri City over the same period.

Houston, TX

+-9.6%

$79,810 (2019) → $72,150 (2025)

Missouri City, TX

+11.7%

$59,601 (2024) → $66,581 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Houston or Missouri City?

Houston has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $75,491/year, compared to Missouri City at $69,664/year — a difference of $5,827 (8.36%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Missouri City?

Houston athletic trainers earn $36.30/hr while Missouri City hygienists earn $33.49/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Houston to Missouri City as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houston and Missouri City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houston = $76,540, Missouri City = $72,567), job availability (480 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $63,186 in Houston and $52,432 in Missouri City. 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