Athletic Trainer Salary in Copperas Cove, TX: $67,257 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Copperas Cove, TX earns a median $67,257/year (≈ $32.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Copperas Cove's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $70,059 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Copperas Cove, TX, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $67,257 in 2026. This figure reflects the balance between working in a school-year contract and pursuing opportunities in industrial settings, where salaries tend to be higher. In the local market, earnings range significantly, from $56,092 at the lower end to a robust $93,931 for experienced professionals or those in specialized roles. These estimates derive from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, suggesting that athletic trainer pay in Copperas Cove lags slightly behind the national median of $65,415, indicating a competitive yet locally focused job market.
About the Copperas Cove Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,092 | $26.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,175 | $28.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,257 | $32.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,162 | $38.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,931 | $45.16 |
Median Salary Position
2.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Copperas Cove
In Copperas Cove, TX, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,839 (2026 est.). At $67,257, the local median is 2.82% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Copperas Cove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Copperas Cove Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Copperas Cove median: $67,257/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Copperas Cove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $69,552 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +2.82% more |
Athletic Trainers in Copperas Cove, TX earn a median of $67,257 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $69,552.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Copperas Cove has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Copperas Cove, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $67,257 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,059 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,804
2025 BLS Actual
$64,281
2026 Current Est.
$67,257
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Copperas Cove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,804 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,264 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,784 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,357 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,562 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,543 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,281 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,257 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,371 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Copperas Cove metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $49,804 (2019) to $64,281 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,371 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,567 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Copperas Cove 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $56,092 – $60,175 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,175 – $67,257 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,257 – $80,162 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,162 – $93,931 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Copperas Cove
The job market for athletic trainers in Copperas Cove remains stable, with only seven professionals currently employed in the area. This smaller workforce is indicative of local demand, especially considering the cost of living index stands at 96, signaling an affordability advantage for residents. Among the potential employers, secondary schools and outpatient clinics represent common work environments; however, high-paying opportunities are typically found within industrial health settings, such as Toyota or Boeing, where salaries can be substantially higher due to year-round contracts and increased responsibility. The pay disparity arises from factors like individual roles, such as head versus assistant athletic trainer positions, and any additional financial incentives for evening events or certification bonuses. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in this market, pursuing further certifications or seeking positions in industrial health can be particularly beneficial.
More salary data for Copperas Cove, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $64,281 for athletic trainersin the Copperas Cove metropolitan area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Copperas Cove 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