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Verified by TX Board of Healthcare

Athletic Trainer Licensing in Texas

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for athletic trainer in Texas, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Athletic Trainer in Texas

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Under the direction of a physician licensed in this state or another qualified, licensed health professional who is authorized to refer for healthcare services within the scope of the person's license, athletic trainers carry out the practice of injury prevention, physical rehabilitation, first aid, provide health care information and conduct research and provide instruction on subject matter related to athletic training or sports medicine.

  7. 7

    Athletic trainers understand the interaction of muscles, joints, and bones within the body, and apply this knowledge to training procedures and injury treatment.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $66,430 median (10% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #5 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Texas eligibility requirements for Athletic Trainer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Texas

With a median salary of $66,430, Athletic Trainers in Texas earn 10% above the national median of $60,250. Texas ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,420

Median annual salary

$66,430

Hourly estimate

$31.94
10% above national median

Difference: +$6,180

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$48,030
  • P2525th percentile$59,850
  • P50Median$66,430
  • P7575th percentile$78,510
  • P9090th percentile$85,790

State vs National Median

State: $66,430
National: $60,250

Total employment: 2,030 | Annual openings: N/A

Athletic Trainer Salary Ranking

#5 of 50 statesfor Athletic Trainer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New Jersey$77,350
#2California$74,150
#3Hawaii$70,930
#4Connecticut$67,090
#5Texas$66,430

Nearby States Comparison

Athletic Trainer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Texas$66,430Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$65,070Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$53,490Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Louisiana$62,500Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New Mexico$62,300Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Louisiana56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Mexico50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

PO Box 12157, Austin, TX, 78711

Phone: 5124636599

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Cardiologist$168,780Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Athletic Trainer in Texas?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Athletic Trainers in Texas?

Texas lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Athletic Trainers.

What education do you need to become a Athletic Trainer in Texas?

The board typically expects Degree required for Athletic Trainer licensure in Texas.

What is the typical Athletic Trainer salary in Texas?

The median annual salary for Athletic Trainers in Texas is $66,430. Salaries range from $48,030 (10th percentile) to $85,790 (90th percentile).

How does the Athletic Trainer salary in Texas compare to the national average?

Athletic Trainers in Texas earn 10% above the national median of $60,250, with a state median of $66,430.

How many Athletic Trainers work in Texas?

Texas employs approximately 2,030 Athletic Trainers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Athletic Trainer license to Texas from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Athletic Trainers in Texas?

The licensing agency is Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/.

How often do you renew a Athletic Trainer license in Texas?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.