Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Copperas Cove, TX: $32.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Copperas Cove, TX runs $32.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,257 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Copperas Cove's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,349 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Copperas Cove, Texas, earn a median hourly rate of $32.33, which is slightly higher than the national median of $31.45. This competitive pay structure allows for a range of employment possibilities across various settings, including high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, industrial clinics, military bases, and outpatient facilities. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, this pay translates into an attractive income that accommodates flexible schedules. Newer athletic trainers typically start at around $26.96 an hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $45.16 per hour, providing a clear trajectory for career advancement within the field. It's essential to note that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary data projected for 2026, reflecting the evolving landscape of compensation in athletic training across Copperas Cove.
About the Copperas Cove Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.96 | $215.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.93 | $231.44 |
| Median (P50) | $32.33 | $258.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.54 | $308.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.16 | $361.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Copperas Cove
Based on $32.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.33/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Copperas Cove, TX can expect to earn approximately $67,248 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,797. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Copperas Cove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Copperas Cove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,293.23 | $5,604 | $67,248 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $775.94 | $3,362 | $40,349 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $517.29 | $2,242 | $26,899 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Copperas Cove) | $32.33 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Athletic Trainers in Copperas Cove, TX earn a median of $67,257 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $69,552.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.33/hr = $40,349/year (purchasing power: $42,030).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,248/year (purchasing power: $70,050).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Copperas Cove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Copperas Cove grew 29.1% from $23.94/hr (2019) to $30.90/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.83/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Copperas Cove 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.
Working as an Hourly Athletic Trainer in Copperas Cove
Contractual arrangements, such as per-diem or agency work, play a significant role in shaping earning potential for athletic trainers in Copperas Cove. Working part-time at 24 hours per week could yield an annual income of approximately $40,000, compared to full-time roles, which may approach $67,257 yearly. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Copperas Cove can vary widely, especially for game coverage, where trainers typically earn between $200 and $500 per event. Opportunities in industrial settings, such as those offered by major employers like Toyota and FedEx, can command billable rates of $50 to $80 per hour. Moreover, while some trainers may choose lower hourly wages for the stability of health benefits, others prioritize higher pay without additional perks. It's advisable for hourly workers to negotiate effectively, considering both the salary offered and the value of any additional benefits tailored to their individual circumstances.
More salary data for Copperas Cove, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for athletic trainers in Copperas Cove. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Copperas Cove 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