Ames vs Des Moines: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Ames, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,846▲ | $52,430 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.29▲ | $25.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,696 | $50,400▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,210 | $51,436▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,812▲ | $66,199 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,723▲ | $74,873 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Ames, IA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Ames and Des Moines is $6,416 (12.24%). Ames's median is -10.04% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $42,027,Des Moines spans $24,473. Ames has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ames ($65,095 effective) pays 13.85% more than Des Moines ($57,175 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,846/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,723)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,095)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Ames grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Ames, IA
$46,778 (2024) → $56,242 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$43,030 (2019) → $50,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Ames or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Ames to Des Moines as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Ames vs Des Moines?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov