Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Rowlett, TX: $97,138 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Rowlett, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $97,138/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Rowlett's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $101,185 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving a top athletic trainer salary in Rowlett, TX, can be a lucrative endeavor for seasoned professionals. With a projected median annual salary of $68,149 in 2026, experienced athletic trainers can significantly boost their earnings by reaching the 90th percentile, where salaries soar to $97,138. This impressive pay range highlights the substantial gap between the median and top earners, reflecting the premium placed on expertise and advanced qualifications. Those looking to ascend to this elite level typically require over seven years of experience, along with specialized credentials that distinguish them from their peers in a competitive market.
About the Rowlett Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rowlett
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Rowlett earn between $81,882 and $97,138 per year (2026 est.). This $45,061 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rowlett median of $68,149 sits 4.18% above the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Rowlett | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $68,149 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,882 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $97,138 | $92,870 |
In Rowlett, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 42.54% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Rowlett
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $68,149 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rowlett employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Rowlett command premium compensation, often reaching the $81,882–$97,138 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rowlett metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced athletic trainers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured athletic trainers in Rowlett with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Athletic Trainers in Texas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Athletic Trainer Career & Wage Growth Path in Rowlett
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRowlett ranks #54 of 109 Texas cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $97,138).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Rowlett ($97,138) is 4.19% below the Texas average P90 ($101,385).
2019 BLS Actual
$76,847
2025 BLS Actual
$92,840
2026 Current Est.
$97,138
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Rowlett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,847 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,295 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,682 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,585 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,347 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,716 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,138 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,636 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Rowlett saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $76,847 in 2019 to $92,840 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $101,636 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rowlett 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.
Maximizing Your Athletic Trainer Earnings in Rowlett
Compensation for senior athletic trainers in Rowlett varies considerably based on their work environments and areas of expertise. Specialties including professional sports, collegiate Division I athletics, and fields like performing arts medicine can command higher pay, often exceeding standard salaries found in secondary school settings. For example, professionals in industrial or military roles may earn significantly more due to the increased complexity and demands of their positions. Career advancement opportunities are plentiful, with paths leading to roles such as head athletic trainers at educational institutions or professional teams, further enhancing earning potential. Additionally, advanced credentials like a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, combined with a BOC national exam certification, can elevate one's position in the field. Factors like contract type, stipends for additional responsibilities, and specific employer settings also play key roles in influencing the overall compensation package for senior athletic trainers in TX.
More salary data for Rowlett, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Rowlett in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Rowlett?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Rowlett?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Rowlett?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Rowlett?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $92,840 for athletic trainers in the Rowlett metro area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rowlett 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