Austin vs New Braunfels: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Austin, TX and New Braunfels, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | New Braunfels, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,120 | $69,444▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.27 | $33.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,252▲ | $51,672 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,120▲ | $59,546 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,120 | $82,392▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,726 | $97,240▲ |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 15 |
Verdict
New Braunfels, TX offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and New Braunfels is $2,324 (3.46%). New Braunfels's median is +6.16% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $15,474,New Braunfels spans $45,568. New Braunfels has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New Braunfels ($72,338 effective) pays 5.69% more than Austin ($68,444 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose New Braunfels if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,444/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,240)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,338)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Austin grew 7.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.7% growth in New Braunfels over the same period.
Austin, TX
$59,930 (2019) → $64,150 (2025)
New Braunfels, TX
$59,436 (2024) → $66,371 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
New Braunfels, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Austin or New Braunfels?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and New Braunfels?
Should I relocate from Austin to New Braunfels as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Austin vs New Braunfels?
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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
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