Athletic Trainer Salary in Richardson, TX: $70,430 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Richardson, TX earns a median $70,430/year (≈ $33.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Richardson's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $73,365 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Richardson, Texas, will see a projected median salary of $70,430 in 2026, reflecting a notable 7.67% increase compared to the national median of $65,415. The local salary range for this profession spans from $50,962 at the 10th percentile to $99,501 at the 90th percentile, illustrating significant variations based on experience, setting, and specialization. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors, signal that those working in higher-paying roles or industrial settings, such as occupational health, can significantly enhance their earnings compared to their counterparts in high school or collegiate environments. Richardson's job market for athletic trainers, characterized by both educational institutions and corporate positions, provides diverse opportunities for growth and advancement.
About the Richardson Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,962 | $24.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,451 | $30.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,430 | $33.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,962 | $40.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,501 | $47.84 |
Median Salary Position
7.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richardson
In Richardson, TX, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,539 (2026 est.). At $70,430, the local median is 7.67% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richardson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richardson Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Richardson median: $70,430/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richardson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $69,594 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +7.67% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richardson 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.
Richardson, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $70,430 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,365 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,154
2025 BLS Actual
$67,313
2026 Current Est.
$70,430
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Richardson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,154 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,682 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,132 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,968 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,371 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,257 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,313 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,430 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,690 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richardson metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $52,154 (2019) to $67,313 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,690 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,536 (41.29%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,962 – $63,451 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,451 – $70,430 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,430 – $83,962 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,962 – $99,501 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Richardson
A close look at the athletic trainer pay in Richardson, TX, reveals a competitive job market with 24 athletic trainers currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 96, slightly below the national average, which means that while salaries may seem robust, the purchasing power can vary based on local economic conditions. Within Richardson, the highest-paying employers tend to be those affiliated with professional sports teams, industrial health sectors, or larger colleges and universities. Factors that contribute to the variance in pay include the type of employer and the nature of contracts—year-round positions generally yield higher earnings than those limited to academic semesters. To maximize pay, athletic trainers should consider obtaining additional certifications, such as the CSCS or OCS-AT, and actively seek roles that offer stipends for special events or overtime, which can elevate overall compensation in this competitive market.
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
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 $67,313 for athletic trainersin the Richardson 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 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