Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Frisco, TX: $50,890 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Frisco, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,890 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Frisco's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,010 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,037) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for athletic trainers in Frisco, Texas, are projected to be competitive in 2026, with entry-level positions beginning around $50,890. This figure serves as a departure point for new graduates entering the field, especially when measured against the city's median annual salary of $72,037. The gap indicates a realistic ladder for growth in the profession, as athletic trainers can realistically aim for an increase to approximately $59,997 within a few years. Given Frisco's emerging market and the influence of a growing population, new athletic trainers should find opportunities are plentiful, making it a favorable environment for recent graduates seeking their first job.
About the Frisco Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Frisco
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Frisco
Entry-level athletic trainers in Frisco, TX typically start between $50,890 and $59,997 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,126 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,037 — 10.12% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Texas of $55,000 represents just 108.08% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($50,890/year) in Frisco. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAATE-accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institutions; the BOC certification exam is required after graduation for practice.
AT, ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Frisco
- 1Research the Frisco market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $50,890 to $59,997, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the athletic training field — employers in TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Frisco, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Frisco for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Frisco's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Athletic Trainer Compensation Range
The athletic trainer wage spread in Frisco is $59,126 ( 116.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,890, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,016.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,598
2025 BLS Actual
$48,638
2026 Current Est.
$50,890
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Frisco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,598 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,294 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,311 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,047 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,516 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,638 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,890 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,246 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Frisco, TX grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,598 in 2019 to $48,638 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,246. New graduates entering the Frisco job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Frisco metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your athletic training Career in Frisco
In Frisco, various employers are on the lookout for newly credentialed athletic trainers. High schools often collaborate with outsourcing firms that specialize in providing athletic training services, which can be a key entry point for newcomers. Moreover, industrial settings, such as factories and distribution centers, present lucrative prospects, usually compensating at a substantially higher rate than traditional school roles—sometimes even 30-50% more. To boost starting athletic trainer pay in Texas, it's crucial to possess the right credentials: a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, a BOC national exam certification, and a state AT license or registration alongside potential additional certifications. New grads should anticipate a gradual salary improvement in their first three years, which is consistent with the 4.63% annual growth rate projected for this profession, allowing them time to cultivate experience while also exploring specialization within the field.
More salary data for Frisco, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Frisco in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Frisco?
Is athletic training school worth it in Frisco?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Frisco?
How do I become a athletic trainer in Texas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new athletic training graduates. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Frisco. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Frisco is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for athletic trainers (SOC 29-9091).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov