Houston vs Waco: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Houston, TX and Waco, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,491▲ | $59,357 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.30▲ | $28.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,186▲ | $59,315 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,197▲ | $59,357 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,536▲ | $82,616 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,979▲ | $100,937 |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waco.
The salary gap between Houston and Waco is $16,134 (27.18%). 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,Waco spans $41,622. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($76,540 effective) pays 19.34% more than Waco ($64,135 effective).
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 Waco 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 3.7% growth in Waco over the same period.
Houston, TX
$79,810 (2019) → $72,150 (2025)
Waco, TX
$54,730 (2019) → $56,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Houston or Waco?
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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