Athletic Trainer Salary

Dallas vs Temple: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$65,415
$31.45/hr
Temple, TX
$61,567
$29.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXTemple, TX
Median Salary$65,415$61,567
Hourly Rate$31.45$29.60
Entry Level (P10)$65,300$49,326
25th Percentile$65,300$55,238
75th Percentile$90,107$74,146
Top Earner (P90)$114,716$88,043
Total Employed79014
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($65,415) and Temple ($61,567) athletic trainer salaries.DallasTempleMedian Salary$65,415$61,567Entry Level (P10)$65,300$49,326Top Earner (P90)$114,716$88,043US Median $65,415

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Temple.

The salary gap between Dallas and Temple is $3,848 (6.25%). Dallas's median is +0.00% 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,Temple spans $38,717. 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
Temple
P10 (Entry)$49,326
P25$55,238
Median$61,567
P75$74,146
P90 (Top)$88,043

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Temple ($64,132 effective) pays 1.07% more than Dallas ($63,454 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $65,415
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $63,454
Temple
Nominal: $61,567
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $64,132

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($65,415/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($114,716)
  • Larger job market (790 employed)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Temple if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,132)
  • 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 0.7% growth in Temple over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+7.3%

$58,270 (2019) → $62,520 (2025)

Temple, TX

+0.7%

$58,442 (2024) → $58,843 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Dallas or Temple?

Dallas has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $65,415/year, compared to Temple at $61,567/year — a difference of $3,848 (6.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Temple?

Dallas athletic trainers earn $31.45/hr while Temple hygienists earn $29.60/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Temple. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $63,454, Temple = $64,132), job availability (790 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $65,300 in Dallas and $49,326 in Temple. 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