Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Dallas, TX: $31.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Dallas, TX runs $31.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,415 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Dallas's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.1, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,252 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dallas, Texas, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to be a median of $31.45 in 2026, aligning with the national median. This figure is significant for those contemplating part-time or per-diem roles, especially in diverse settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and military bases. For instance, part-time athletic trainers working approximately three days a week could expect their earnings to be structured around this hourly rate, leading to a more flexible work arrangement while still providing valuable care to athletes. The hourly range in Dallas starts at $31.39 for entry-level positions and can rise to $55.15 for top earners in the field, offering a clear pathway for skill advancement and increased earning potential.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.39 | $251.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.39 | $251.11 |
| Median (P50) | $31.45 | $251.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.32 | $346.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.15 | $441.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dallas
Based on $31.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.45/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dallas, TX can expect to earn approximately $65,420 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,742. With a cost-of-living index of 103.09 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dallas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dallas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,258.07 | $5,452 | $65,420 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $754.84 | $3,271 | $39,252 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $503.23 | $2,181 | $26,168 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Dallas) | $31.45 |
| 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 Dallas, TX earn a median of $65,415 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.00% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 6.00% below the Texas state average of $69,590.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.45/hr = $39,252/year (purchasing power: $38,075).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,420/year (purchasing power: $63,459).
CoL index: 103.09 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Dallas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Dallas grew 7.3% from $28.01/hr (2019) to $30.06/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.91/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 Dallas 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 Dallas
Examining part-time opportunities, a 24-hour work week translates to about $39,078 in annual earnings, which can provide a modest but steady income compared to full-time positions. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Dallas varies widely, with game coverage often offering between $200-$500 per event, while industrial settings may see athletic trainers billing upwards of $50-$80 per hour. Different employer types also influence hourly rates, as high schools typically pay less compared to colleges or professional sports teams, which can significantly impact total annual earnings. While some athletic trainers may opt for lower hourly wages for benefits such as health insurance, others might pursue higher pay without benefits in contract roles. As you consider employment options, it's vital to negotiate effectively based on your experience, the employer's needs, and the competitive landscape in Dallas' unique job market.
More salary data for Dallas, 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 Dallas. 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