Athletic Trainer Salary in Denton, TX: $69,176 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Denton, TX earns a median $69,176/year (≈ $33.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Denton's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $72,058 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer salary in Denton, Texas is projected to reach a median of $69,176. This figure reflects a significant increase in compensation following the master's degree requirement established in 2022, which shifted entry-level pay. For aspiring athletic trainers considering careers in Denton, the salary spectrum ranges from $53,544 at the 10th percentile to $99,875 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse opportunities within the profession. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, highlighting that Denton's compensation is slightly above the national median of $65,415, representing a 5.75% premium. This indicates a robust market for athletic trainers, aligning with the city's growing focus on health and wellness in educational and professional settings.
About the Denton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,544 | $25.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,855 | $29.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,176 | $33.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,057 | $40.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,875 | $48.01 |
Median Salary Position
5.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Denton
In Denton, TX, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,331 (2026 est.). At $69,176, the local median is 5.75% above the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Denton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Denton Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Denton median: $69,176/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Denton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $69,594 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +5.75% more |
Athletic Trainers in Denton, TX earn a median of $69,176 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.75% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.60% below the Texas state average of $69,594.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Denton 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.
Denton, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $69,176 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,058 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,225
2025 BLS Actual
$66,115
2026 Current Est.
$69,176
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Denton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,225 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,727 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,204 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,936 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,261 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,185 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,115 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,176 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,379 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Denton metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $51,225 (2019) to $66,115 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,379 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,154 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denton 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) | $53,544 – $60,855 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,855 – $69,176 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,176 – $85,057 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,057 – $99,875 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Denton
While there are currently 33 athletic trainers employed in the Denton area, cost of living considerations play a significant role in evaluating the overall compensation landscape. With a cost of living index at 96, professionals may find their take-home pay affords a comfortable lifestyle compared to national averages. Institutions such as local colleges and universities, alongside secondary schools, typically comprise the majority of employers; however, those pursuing roles in industrial or occupational health often see considerably higher pay. Factors contributing to salary variation include employment settings, contract types—school-year versus year-round— and additional responsibilities such as overseeing events outside standard hours. For those looking to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Denton, acquiring specialized certifications or transitioning to higher-paying roles in professional sports or industrial settings can enhance earning potential significantly.
More salary data for Denton, 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 $66,115 for athletic trainersin the Denton 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 Denton 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