Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in DeSoto, TX: $33.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in DeSoto, TX runs $33.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,735 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against DeSoto's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,837 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In DeSoto, TX, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at a median of $33.52, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate reflects the opportunities for both part-time and per-diem positions across various environments such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional team training rooms. For those working part-time, such as a trainer clocking in three days a week, the earnings can significantly enhance their overall income while allowing flexibility. Entry-level trainers may earn around $25.26 per hour, while top-tier professionals can command rates as high as $49.25 per hour, suggesting a healthy range that could attract candidates at various experience levels. These hourly figures are estimated based on annual salary data, illustrating a promising outlook for aspiring athletic trainers in this region.
About the DeSoto 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) | $25.26 | $202.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.90 | $231.19 |
| Median (P50) | $33.52 | $268.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.23 | $313.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.25 | $393.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeSoto
Based on $33.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.52/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeSoto, TX can expect to earn approximately $69,729 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,228. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeSoto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeSoto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,340.94 | $5,811 | $69,729 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $804.56 | $3,486 | $41,837 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $536.38 | $2,324 | $27,892 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (DeSoto) | $33.52 |
| 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 DeSoto, TX earn a median of $69,735 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.60% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.20% above the Texas state average of $69,596.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.52/hr = $41,837/year (purchasing power: $43,580).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,729/year (purchasing power: $72,634).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in DeSoto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in DeSoto grew 29.1% from $24.82/hr (2019) to $32.04/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.08/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 DeSoto 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 DeSoto
When examining part-time earnings for an athletic trainer working three days a week in DeSoto, the annual take-home may fall between approximately $41,999 and $48,535, depending on exact hours worked and hourly rates. Per diem roles offer unique financial incentives; athletic trainers involved in game coverage can earn between $200 and $500 per event, while industrial athletic trainers often earn between $50 and $80 per hour, particularly in large facility settings like Toyota or Boeing. Different employer types have their own hourly rate variations; those working in secondary schools often earn less than their counterparts in NCAA colleges or professional sports teams. Many trainers face a decision—accepting lower hourly rates for consistent benefits and health insurance, or opting for higher pay with the absence of such perks. Successfully negotiating pay rates is vital for hourly workers in DeSoto, where understanding local wage standards and expressing value through relevant credentials, like the new master's requirement post-2022, can play an essential role in maximizing compensation.
More salary data for DeSoto, 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 DeSoto. 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 DeSoto 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