Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in San Marcos, TX: $33.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in San Marcos, TX runs $33.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,685 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against San Marcos's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,210 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer hourly pay in San Marcos, TX, is projected to reach a median of $33.02, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $31.45. This competitive rate opens opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in diverse settings such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and outpatient clinics. For those seeking flexible work schedules, the hourly range for athletic trainers in San Marcos varies from $25.34 for entry-level positions to as high as $46.01 for experienced practitioners. Entry-level professionals can find rewarding roles that help them gain essential experience, while those at the top of the pay scale often work with professional teams or in specialized environments where pay reflects their expertise and the nuances of the job.
About the San Marcos 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) | $25.34 | $202.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.90 | $231.19 |
| Median (P50) | $33.02 | $264.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.04 | $312.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.01 | $368.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Marcos
Based on $33.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.02/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Marcos, TX can expect to earn approximately $68,684 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,625. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in San Marcos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Marcos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,320.85 | $5,724 | $68,684 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $792.51 | $3,434 | $41,210 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $528.34 | $2,289 | $27,474 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (San Marcos) | $33.02 |
| 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 San Marcos, TX earn a median of $68,685 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.00% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 1.30% below the Texas state average of $69,590.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.02/hr = $41,210/year (purchasing power: $42,928).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,684/year (purchasing power: $71,546).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in San Marcos grew 29.1% from $24.45/hr (2019) to $31.56/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.55/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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos
Focusing on part-time earnings, an athletic trainer working three days a week (24 hours) can expect to take home about $38,000 annually, which presents a significant contrast to full-time positions. Additionally, per diem athletic trainer pay in San Marcos can range considerably; game coverage often yields between $200 to $500 per event, while those in industrial settings may see bill rates between $50 and $80 per hour. Employers in high school athletics typically offer lower rates compared to institutions at the collegiate level or professional teams, which can impact overall compensation. For many, the decision involves a trade-off between a higher hourly rate without benefits and positions offering financial security through health insurance and retirement plans. When negotiating hourly rates in San Marcos, having awareness of the different employer types and their compensation practices can empower athletic trainers to seek terms that align with their financial goals and professional needs.
More salary data for San Marcos, 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 San Marcos. 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 San Marcos 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