Athletic Trainer Salary in Plano, TX: $72,673 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Plano, TX earns a median $72,673/year (≈ $34.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Plano's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $75,701 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Plano, TX, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $72,673, surpassing the national median of $65,415 by approximately 11.10%. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $52,323 (P10) and experienced trainers earning up to $104,663 (P90). These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and take into account local cost adjustments. The shift to a master's-level requirement for entry into the field, established in 2022, has likely contributed to this upward trend in compensation, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of advanced education and training in athletic training. This evolution enhances the value of their expertise in both traditional and contemporary athletic environments across Plano.
About the Plano Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,323 | $25.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,282 | $29.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,673 | $34.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,244 | $41.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,663 | $50.32 |
Median Salary Position
11.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plano
In Plano, TX, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,340 (2026 est.). At $72,673, the local median is 11.1% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Plano: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Plano Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Plano median: $72,673/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plano Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $69,543 | +4.50% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +11.10% more |
Athletic Trainers in Plano, TX earn a median of $72,673 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.10% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 4.50% above the Texas state average of $69,543.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plano has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Plano, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $72,673 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,701 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$53,815
2025 BLS Actual
$69,457
2026 Current Est.
$72,673
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Plano (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,815 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,392 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,793 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,814 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,358 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,176 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,457 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,673 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,038 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plano metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $53,815 (2019) to $69,457 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,038 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,223 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plano 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) | $52,323 – $61,282 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,282 – $72,673 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,673 – $87,244 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,244 – $104,663 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Plano
Analyzing the job market, Plano is home to about 57 athletic trainers, which indicates a concentrated yet competitive field. The city's cost of living index stands at 96, slightly below the national average, which influences take-home pay for professionals. Among local employers, those in professional sports settings typically offer the highest salaries, followed by collegiate institutions and industrial health roles, such as those at Toyota and Boeing. The pay disparity can be attributed to various factors, including job settings, the type of employment contracts, and the level of experience required. Strategies to maximize earnings in Plano may include pursuing specialization certifications from organizations like BOC and NATA, enhancing skills for higher-demand settings, and considering roles that offer year-round contracts. Understanding these dynamics can empower athletic trainers to strategically navigate their career paths in this evolving market.
More salary data for Plano, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Plano, TX in 2026?
Is Plano, TX a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Plano?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Plano?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Plano?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 $69,457 for athletic trainersin the Plano 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
Salary data for Plano 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