Athletic Trainer Salary

Houston vs Weslaco: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Houston, TX
$75,491
$36.30/hr
Weslaco, TX
$67,641
$32.52/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouston, TXWeslaco, TX
Median Salary$75,491$67,641
Hourly Rate$36.30$32.52
Entry Level (P10)$63,186$51,467
25th Percentile$63,197$62,489
75th Percentile$90,536$81,176
Top Earner (P90)$112,979$95,045
Total Employed4809
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houston ($75,491) and Weslaco ($67,641) athletic trainer salaries.HoustonWeslacoMedian Salary$75,491$67,641Entry Level (P10)$63,186$51,467Top Earner (P90)$112,979$95,045US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Houston and Weslaco is $7,850 (11.61%). 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,Weslaco spans $43,578. 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
Weslaco
P10 (Entry)$51,467
P25$62,489
Median$67,641
P75$81,176
P90 (Top)$95,045

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($76,540 effective) pays 8.63% more than Weslaco ($70,459 effective).

Houston
Nominal: $75,491
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $76,540
Weslaco
Nominal: $67,641
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $70,459

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 Weslaco 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 Weslaco over the same period.

Houston, TX

+-9.6%

$79,810 (2019) → $72,150 (2025)

Weslaco, TX

+11.7%

$57,871 (2024) → $64,648 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Houston or Weslaco?

Houston has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $75,491/year, compared to Weslaco at $67,641/year — a difference of $7,850 (11.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Weslaco?

Houston athletic trainers earn $36.30/hr while Weslaco hygienists earn $32.52/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houston and Weslaco. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houston = $76,540, Weslaco = $70,459), job availability (480 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $63,186 in Houston and $51,467 in Weslaco. 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