Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Plano, TX: $34.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Plano, TX runs $34.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,673 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Plano's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,600 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plano, Texas, the projected median hourly pay for athletic trainers in 2026 is $34.94, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This advantage positions athletic trainers in Plano well, particularly for those in part-time or per-diem roles. For instance, trainers working three days a week can earn a respectable income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. The hourly earnings for athletic trainers range from $25.15 at the entry level to $50.32 for experienced professionals, reflecting the diverse opportunities in various settings like high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and even within the industrial health sector. It's essential to keep in mind that these figures stem from annual salary data, which helps to give context to the potential earning scenarios in this dynamic field.
About the Plano Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.15 | $201.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.46 | $235.71 |
| Median (P50) | $34.94 | $279.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.95 | $335.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.32 | $402.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plano
Based on $34.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.94/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plano, TX can expect to earn approximately $72,667 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,923. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plano.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plano
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,397.44 | $6,056 | $72,667 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $838.46 | $3,633 | $43,600 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $558.98 | $2,422 | $29,067 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Plano) | $34.94 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Athletic Trainers in Plano, TX earn a median of $72,673 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.10% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 4.50% above the Texas state average of $69,543.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.94/hr = $43,600/year (purchasing power: $45,417).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,667/year (purchasing power: $75,695).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Plano (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Plano grew 29.1% from $25.87/hr (2019) to $33.39/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.55/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plano 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.
Working as an Hourly Athletic Trainer in Plano
Examining the earning potential for part-time athletic trainers in Plano, a professional working three days a week—approximately 24 hours—can expect an annual take-home significantly less than full-time counterparts. However, for those pursuing per-diem gigs, the earning structure changes: game coverage can net trainers between $200 and $500 per event, while industrial AT services often bill $50 to $80 per hour at locations such as Toyota or Boeing. Rates can also escalate during high-stakes events, with college bowl game stipends ranging from $200 to $1,000+. Various employers contribute to the hourly rates offered, with secondary school positions typically paying less than major league teams or industrial roles, often which also include health insurance benefits. Understanding the trade-offs between lower hourly rates with benefits versus higher rates without coverage is crucial, especially for those negotiating their compensation in Plano. For successful salary discussions, highlighting specialized qualifications and experience can provide an edge in negotiating favorable terms.
More salary data for Plano, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for athletic trainers in Plano. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plano 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