Athletic Trainer Salary

Houston vs Prosper: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Houston, TX
$75,491
$36.30/hr
Prosper, TX
$66,620
$32.03/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouston, TXProsper, TX
Median Salary$75,491$66,620
Hourly Rate$36.30$32.03
Entry Level (P10)$63,186$54,523
25th Percentile$63,197$60,319
75th Percentile$90,536$80,095
Top Earner (P90)$112,979$91,821
Total Employed4807
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houston ($75,491) and Prosper ($66,620) athletic trainer salaries.HoustonProsperMedian Salary$75,491$66,620Entry Level (P10)$63,186$54,523Top Earner (P90)$112,979$91,821US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Houston and Prosper is $8,871 (13.32%). 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,Prosper spans $37,298. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Houston
P10 (Entry)$63,186
P25$63,197
Median$75,491
P75$90,536
P90 (Top)$112,979
Prosper
P10 (Entry)$54,523
P25$60,319
Median$66,620
P75$80,095
P90 (Top)$91,821

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($76,540 effective) pays 10.30% more than Prosper ($69,396 effective).

Houston
Nominal: $75,491
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $76,540
Prosper
Nominal: $66,620
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $69,396

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 Prosper 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 Prosper over the same period.

Houston, TX

+-9.6%

$79,810 (2019) → $72,150 (2025)

Prosper, TX

+11.7%

$56,998 (2024) → $63,672 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Houston or Prosper?

Houston has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $75,491/year, compared to Prosper at $66,620/year — a difference of $8,871 (13.32%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Prosper?

Houston athletic trainers earn $36.30/hr while Prosper hygienists earn $32.03/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houston and Prosper. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houston = $76,540, Prosper = $69,396), job availability (480 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $63,186 in Houston and $54,523 in Prosper. 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