Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Carrollton, TX: $50,937 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Carrollton, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,937 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Carrollton's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,059 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,419) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the athletic training field in Carrollton, Texas, can anticipate an entry-level salary starting around $50,937. This figure represents a gap from the city’s median annual salary of $70,419, highlighting the potential for growth within the profession as experience is gained. Over the first three to five years, entry-level athletic trainers can realistically expect their salaries to climb, with the P25 figure reaching $63,428 as they start to build their credentials and professional networks. Given the projected 4.63% annual growth rate in this sector, Carrollton appears to be a favorable market for new grads looking to establish themselves in athletic training.
About the Carrollton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Carrollton
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carrollton
Entry-level athletic trainers in Carrollton, TX typically start between $50,937 and $63,428 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,272 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,419 — 7.65% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Texas of $55,000 represents just 107.98% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($50,937/year) in Carrollton. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAATE-accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institutions; the BOC certification exam is required after graduation for practice.
AT, ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Carrollton
- 1Research the Carrollton market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $50,937 to $63,428, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the athletic training field — employers in TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Carrollton, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Carrollton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Carrollton's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Athletic Trainer Compensation Range
The athletic trainer wage spread in Carrollton is $53,272 ( 104.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,937, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,209.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,627
2025 BLS Actual
$48,683
2026 Current Est.
$50,937
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Carrollton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,627 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,324 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,346 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,084 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,631 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,549 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,683 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,937 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,295 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Carrollton, TX grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,627 in 2019 to $48,683 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,295. New graduates entering the Carrollton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrollton 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.
Starting Your athletic training Career in Carrollton
Employers in Carrollton that typically recruit new athletic trainers include high schools and sports medicine programs often affiliated with local hospitals, which tend to hire early-career professionals as part of their athletic services. These roles generally require a solid foundation of credentials, including a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, certification from the BOC, and a state license or registration. For those looking to enhance their earning potential right out of school, pursuing additional certifications like the CSCS can offer a competitive edge. It’s worth considering that industrial settings, such as factories and distribution centers, tend to offer significantly higher salaries, often 30-50% more than roles in educational institutions. Consequently, new athletic trainers can expect varying salary trajectories depending on their chosen employment path, with proactive career strategies being essential for successful advancement in the first few years.
More salary data for Carrollton, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new athletic training graduates. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Carrollton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carrollton 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