Athletic Trainer Salary in Dallas, TX: $65,415 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Dallas, TX earns a median $65,415/year (≈ $31.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Dallas's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.1), that paycheck buys what $63,454 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer salary in Dallas is projected to reflect the evolving educational landscape of the profession, specifically following the master's-required transition that took effect in 2022. The median annual salary stands at $65,415, aligning with the national median, suggesting a competitive market for trained professionals in this field. The salary range for athletic trainers in the city varies widely from $65,300 (P10) to $114,716 (P90), illustrating that while entry-level positions may start lower, experienced trainers, particularly in high-demand settings, can expect significantly higher compensation. These insights are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, shedding light on the continuous demand for qualified athletic trainers in Dallas as the profession adapts to new educational standards.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,300 | $31.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,300 | $31.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,415 | $31.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,107 | $43.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,716 | $55.15 |
Median Salary Position
0.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dallas
In Dallas, TX, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,416 (2026 est.). At $65,415, the local median is 0% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dallas: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Dallas Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Dallas median: $65,415/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dallas Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $69,590 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +0.00% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dallas has a cost of living 3.09% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dallas, TX has a cost-of-living index of 103.09 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,415 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,454 — a 3% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,270
2025 BLS Actual
$62,520
2026 Current Est.
$65,415
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Dallas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,520 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,415 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,443 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dallas metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 7.3% from $58,270 (2019) to $62,520 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,443 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,173 (17.46%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $65,300 – $65,300 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,300 – $65,415 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,415 – $90,107 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,107 – $114,716 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Dallas
As of 2026, there are approximately 790 athletic trainers employed in Dallas, indicative of a robust local job market that can support a healthy number of professionals. The cost of living index for Dallas registers at 103.09, meaning that while salaries may be competitive, the purchasing power of athletic trainers also depends on local economic factors. Areas that tend to offer higher pay include professional sports teams, colleges, and universities, where the athletic trainer pay in Dallas, TX can be notably lucrative compared to high school settings. The disparity in pay can be attributed to various factors, including the contract type, role responsibilities, and additional stipends for specialized events. To maximize earnings, aspiring athletic trainers should consider seeking out positions in professional or industrial settings, obtaining relevant certifications, and remaining vigilant about opportunities that offer higher compensation packages, ultimately reflecting their skill set and ongoing professional education in this evolving field.
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,520 for athletic trainersin the Dallas metropolitan area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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