Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in North Richland Hills, TX: $52,573 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the North Richland Hills, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,573 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Richland Hills's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,764 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,398) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Richland Hills, TX, new graduates entering the athletic training field can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $52,573, significantly below the city’s projected median annual salary of $67,398. While the gap may seem sizable, there is an upward trajectory for entry-level athletic trainers in this area, with the potential to reach about $57,927 within a few years as they gain experience and establish themselves in the profession. For those willing to invest in their development, the growth is realistic over the first three to five years, reflecting a broader positive outlook for athletic training positions. With a projected growth rate of 4.63%, the current job market in North Richland Hills appears to be favorable for new graduates looking to make their mark as athletic trainers.
About the North Richland Hills Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Richland Hills
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 North Richland Hills
Entry-level athletic trainers in North Richland Hills, TX typically start between $52,573 and $57,927 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,029 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,398 — 3.03% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Texas of $55,000 represents just 104.62% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($52,573/year) in North Richland Hills. 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 North Richland Hills
- 1Research the North Richland Hills market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $52,573 to $57,927, 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 North Richland Hills, 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 North Richland Hills for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Richland Hills'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 North Richland Hills is $42,029 ( 79.94%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,573, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,602.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,643
2025 BLS Actual
$50,247
2026 Current Est.
$52,573
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in North Richland Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,643 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,395 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,546 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,372 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,032 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,975 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,247 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,573 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,008 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in North Richland Hills, TX grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,643 in 2019 to $50,247 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,008. New graduates entering the North Richland Hills job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Richland Hills 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 North Richland Hills
Focusing on employment opportunities, North Richland Hills offers various outlets for new graduate athletic trainers, particularly in high schools and industrial settings. Many high school athletic training services are contracted through regional hospitals, making these institutions prime employers for recent graduates seeking their first jobs. For those interested in industrial settings, working in factories or distribution centers can yield higher pay, often 30-50% more than traditional school-based roles. Excelling in this industry requires obtaining the BOC national exam credential—essential for any prospective athletic trainer in Texas post-2022. Additionally, holding a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program is now mandatory. To enhance starting pay and job prospects, new grads may consider pursuing specialized certifications in areas like strength and conditioning (CSCS) or orthopedic physical therapy (OCS-AT). With these strategies, salary growth expectations in the first few years remain optimistic, reflecting the increasing demand for qualified athletic trainers in the North Richland Hills area.
More salary data for North Richland Hills, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 North Richland Hills. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Richland Hills 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