Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Richardson, TX: $33.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Richardson, TX runs $33.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,430 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Richardson's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,255 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Athletic trainers in Richardson, Texas, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $33.86, which exceeds the national average of $31.45. This competitive rate reflects the demand for skilled professionals capable of working in various settings such as high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, and medical facilities. For part-time athletic trainers, typically working three days per week, this hourly rate means they could take home around $26,500 annually, based on a 24-hour workweek. Hourly rates vary widely as well, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $24.50 and experienced trainers reaching up to $47.84 per hour. This range demonstrates the potential for growth and earnings in this vital role, emphasizing the importance of education and experience in shaping one's career trajectory.
About the Richardson 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) | $24.50 | $196.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.51 | $244.08 |
| Median (P50) | $33.86 | $270.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.37 | $322.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.84 | $382.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richardson
Based on $33.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.86/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richardson, TX can expect to earn approximately $70,425 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,630. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richardson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richardson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,354.33 | $5,869 | $70,425 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $812.60 | $3,521 | $42,255 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $541.73 | $2,348 | $28,170 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Richardson) | $33.86 |
| 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 Richardson, TX earn a median of $70,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.67% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.20% above the Texas state average of $69,594.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.86/hr = $42,255/year (purchasing power: $44,016).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,425/year (purchasing power: $73,360).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Richardson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Richardson grew 29.1% from $25.07/hr (2019) to $32.36/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.43/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 Richardson 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 Richardson
Looking at the part-time earnings potential, athletic trainers working 24-hours a week may find themselves with an annual income that aligns with lower salary expectations, particularly when compared to full-time professionals. Per diem athletic trainers in Richardson can significantly increase their earnings potential, receiving between $200 to $500 per event for game coverage, or earning $50 to $80 per hour while working in industrial AT settings. Positions at colleges and professional sports teams can also offer stipends for game or event coverage, ranging from $200 to $1,000. Additionally, athletic training salaries vary not just by employer type, but also by the benefits offered; some trainers may choose positions in schools for health insurance over higher hourly rates in industrial settings. Those working in Richardson should consider the trade-offs between hourly wages and benefits, ensuring they negotiate accordingly to secure a compensation package that meets their needs.
More salary data for Richardson, 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 Richardson. 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 Richardson 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