Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Corpus Christi, TX: $39.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Corpus Christi, TX runs $39.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,218 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Corpus Christi's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,332 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Corpus Christi, Texas, the projected athletic trainer hourly pay for 2026 stands robust at $39.53, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This elevated rate makes a notable difference for both part-time and per-diem athletic trainers, who may find themselves working in diverse settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, professional sports teams, and even industrial workplaces. With an hourly range from $27.38 for entry-level positions to $56.52 for seasoned professionals, many trainers can navigate various employment opportunities effectively. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates a thriving environment for athletic trainers, reflecting its vital role across multiple sectors in Corpus Christi, including military bases and outpatient clinics.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.38 | $219.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.87 | $263.00 |
| Median (P50) | $39.53 | $316.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.02 | $320.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.52 | $452.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Corpus Christi
Based on $39.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.53/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Corpus Christi, TX can expect to earn approximately $82,221 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,435. With a cost-of-living index of 92.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Corpus Christi.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Corpus Christi
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,581.17 | $6,852 | $82,221 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $948.70 | $4,111 | $49,332 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $632.47 | $2,741 | $32,888 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Corpus Christi) | $39.53 |
| 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 Corpus Christi, TX earn a median of $82,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.69% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 18.20% above the Texas state average of $69,559.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.53/hr = $49,332/year (purchasing power: $53,234).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,221/year (purchasing power: $88,723).
CoL index: 92.671 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Corpus Christi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Corpus Christi grew 31.2% from $28.79/hr (2019) to $37.78/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.36/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 Corpus Christi 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 Corpus Christi
Considering the earning potential for part-time athletic trainers in Corpus Christi, those working three days a week typically generate an income that sums up to about $49,000 annually, creating a substantial difference compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Corpus Christi varies significantly, with game coverage often commanding between $200 and $500 per event. In an industrial setting, contracted trainers can charge $50 to $80 per hour, while coverage for major college events can yield stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000+. It's essential to understand that hourly rates vary across employer types, with secondary schools typically offering lower compensation compared to industrial or professional settings. Given the choice between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates with health insurance, many trainers must tactically weigh their options. Negotiating for a more favorable hourly rate in Corpus Christi often requires demonstrating the unique skills acquired through advanced educational qualifications, like the transition to a master's degree mandated by the NATA.
More salary data for Corpus Christi, 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 Corpus Christi. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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