Athletic Trainer Salary

Dallas vs Pearland: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$65,415
$31.45/hr
Pearland, TX
$68,946
$33.15/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXPearland, TX
Median Salary$65,415$68,946
Hourly Rate$31.45$33.15
Entry Level (P10)$65,300$52,943
25th Percentile$65,300$60,384
75th Percentile$90,107$83,029
Top Earner (P90)$114,716$98,902
Total Employed79019
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($65,415) and Pearland ($68,946) athletic trainer salaries.DallasPearlandMedian Salary$65,415$68,946Entry Level (P10)$65,300$52,943Top Earner (P90)$114,716$98,902US Median $65,415

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Dallas and Pearland is $3,531 (5.40%). Pearland's median is +5.40% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $49,416,Pearland spans $45,959. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$65,300
P25$65,300
Median$65,415
P75$90,107
P90 (Top)$114,716
Pearland
P10 (Entry)$52,943
P25$60,384
Median$68,946
P75$83,029
P90 (Top)$98,902

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pearland ($71,819 effective) pays 13.18% more than Dallas ($63,454 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $65,415
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $63,454
Pearland
Nominal: $68,946
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $71,819

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

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

Choose Pearland if…

  • Higher median salary ($68,946/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,819)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Dallas grew 7.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.7% growth in Pearland over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+7.3%

$58,270 (2019) → $62,520 (2025)

Pearland, TX

+11.7%

$58,987 (2024) → $65,895 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Dallas or Pearland?

Pearland has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $68,946/year, compared to Dallas at $65,415/year — a difference of $3,531 (5.40%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Pearland?

Dallas athletic trainers earn $31.45/hr while Pearland hygienists earn $33.15/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Pearland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $63,454, Pearland = $71,819), job availability (790 vs 19 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $65,300 in Dallas and $52,943 in Pearland. 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