Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Sugar Land, TX: $33.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Sugar Land, TX runs $33.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,368 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Sugar Land's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,615 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Sugar Land, TX, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $33.35, which surpasses the national median of $31.45. This figure offers a solid foundation for professionals in a variety of settings, including high schools, collegiate programs, and even industrial workplaces. For part-time athletic trainers working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $26,371 annually, highlighting a pathway for those seeking flexibility in their work schedules. In contrast, full-time positions may see trainers earning more robust incomes, with an hourly range stretching from $25.96 at the entry-level to an impressive $48.34 for those at the top of their field. These estimates derive from annual salary data, illustrating the financial viability of pursuing a career in athletic training within this growing Texas market.
About the Sugar Land 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) | $25.96 | $207.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.44 | $235.54 |
| Median (P50) | $33.35 | $266.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.38 | $323.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.34 | $386.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sugar Land
Based on $33.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.35/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sugar Land, TX can expect to earn approximately $69,359 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,015. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sugar Land.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sugar Land
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,333.82 | $5,780 | $69,359 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $800.29 | $3,468 | $41,615 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $533.53 | $2,312 | $27,744 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Sugar Land) | $33.35 |
| 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 Sugar Land, TX earn a median of $69,368 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.04% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.30% below the Texas state average of $69,576.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.35/hr = $41,615/year (purchasing power: $43,349).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,359/year (purchasing power: $72,249).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Sugar Land (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Sugar Land grew 29.1% from $24.69/hr (2019) to $31.87/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.89/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 Sugar Land 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 Sugar Land
The earning potential for athletic trainers can vary widely based on employment type and work settings in Sugar Land. For those opting for part-time roles, the reality of taking home earnings may differ significantly compared to full-time counterparts. While per diem athletic trainer pay in Sugar Land typically offers $200 to $500 per event, industrial settings often present more stable hourly rates, ranging from $50 to $80 for AT contractors. Colleges and universities, particularly with NCAA programs, may offer stipends for specific events like bowl games, with amounts running from $200 to $1,000+. Athletic trainers in high schools may earn lower hourly rates, but they often enjoy health insurance benefits that some choose over higher pay in less secure positions. Negotiating effectively for benefits versus pay is crucial in this field, especially in a city where the cost of living index stands at 96. Understanding your worth and being prepared to discuss the value you bring can significantly influence outcomes in salary discussions.
More salary data for Sugar Land, 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 Sugar Land. 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 Sugar Land 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