Athletic Trainer Salary

Amarillo vs Dallas: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Amarillo, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Amarillo, TX
$72,014
$34.62/hr
Dallas, TX
$65,415
$31.45/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAmarillo, TXDallas, TX
Median Salary$72,014$65,415
Hourly Rate$34.62$31.45
Entry Level (P10)$50,628$65,300
25th Percentile$59,951$65,300
75th Percentile$90,037$90,107
Top Earner (P90)$110,126$114,716
Total Employed52790
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Amarillo ($72,014) and Dallas ($65,415) athletic trainer salaries.AmarilloDallasMedian Salary$72,014$65,415Entry Level (P10)$50,628$65,300Top Earner (P90)$110,126$114,716US Median $65,415

Verdict

Amarillo and Dallas are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Amarillo and Dallas is $6,599 (10.09%). Amarillo's median is +10.09% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Amarillo spans $59,498,Dallas spans $49,416. Amarillo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Amarillo
P10 (Entry)$50,628
P25$59,951
Median$72,014
P75$90,037
P90 (Top)$110,126
Dallas
P10 (Entry)$65,300
P25$65,300
Median$65,415
P75$90,107
P90 (Top)$114,716

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Amarillo ($75,015 effective) pays 18.22% more than Dallas ($63,454 effective).

Amarillo
Nominal: $72,014
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $75,015
Dallas
Nominal: $65,415
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $63,454

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Amarillo if…

  • Higher median salary ($72,014/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,015)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Dallas if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($114,716)
  • Larger job market (790 employed)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Amarillo grew 11.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.3% growth in Dallas over the same period.

Amarillo, TX

+11.7%

$61,612 (2024) → $68,827 (2025)

Dallas, TX

+7.3%

$58,270 (2019) → $62,520 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Amarillo or Dallas?

Amarillo has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $72,014/year, compared to Dallas at $65,415/year — a difference of $6,599 (10.09%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Amarillo and Dallas?

Amarillo athletic trainers earn $34.62/hr while Dallas hygienists earn $31.45/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Amarillo to Dallas as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Amarillo and Dallas. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Amarillo = $75,015, Dallas = $63,454), job availability (52 vs 790 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Amarillo vs Dallas?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $50,628 in Amarillo and $65,300 in Dallas. The Dallas area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gomez, MS, ATCData verified by David Kim, BS, ATC

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov