Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Irving, TX: $52,656 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Irving, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,656 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Irving's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,850 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,914) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on a career in athletic training, understanding the pay landscape in Irving, TX, is crucial. New graduates can expect a starting salary of roughly $52,656 in 2026, which presents a significant gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $72,914. While this entry-level figure may seem modest, the potential for growth is notable. A new athletic trainer may see earnings increase through early experience, potentially reaching around $61,773 after gaining a bit of experience, and eventually achieving the median salary within a few years. Irving is currently an encouraging market for fresh graduates, supported by a steady growth rate of 4.63% in the industry, offering them opportunities to climb the salary ladder as they establish their careers.
About the Irving Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Irving
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 Irving
Entry-level athletic trainers in Irving, TX typically start between $52,656 and $61,773 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,114 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,914 — 11.46% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Texas of $55,000 represents just 104.45% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($52,656/year) in Irving. 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 Irving
- 1Research the Irving market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $52,656 to $61,773, 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 Irving, 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 Irving for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Irving'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 Irving is $53,114 ( 100.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,656, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,770.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,694
2025 BLS Actual
$50,326
2026 Current Est.
$52,656
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Irving (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,694 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,449 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,606 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,437 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,103 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,015 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,326 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,656 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,094 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Irving, TX grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,694 in 2019 to $50,326 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,094. New graduates entering the Irving job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Irving 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 Irving
Employers in Irving that are known for hiring recent graduates include high school athletic training services, which often collaborate with hospital sports medicine programs, and industrial settings that seek athletic trainers through specialized staffing firms. Since collegiate positions typically require graduate assistant roles or prior internships, new entrants may find broader prospects in the educational and industrial sectors. To enhance their starting athletic trainer pay in Texas, candidates should focus on obtaining a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for the ATC credential, and obtaining state licensure. The shift to requiring a master's as of 2022 means early-career professionals are advised to explore industrial roles, which can pay 30-50% higher wages compared to traditional school-based positions. Engaging with the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) and pursuing specialized certifications can also provide a competitive edge and lead to superior salary advancements within the first few years in Irving.
More salary data for Irving, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Irving in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Irving?
Is athletic training school worth it in Irving?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Irving?
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 Irving. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Irving 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