Athletic Trainer Salary

Clinton vs Davenport: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Clinton, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Clinton, IA
$55,492
$26.68/hr
Davenport, IA
$54,533
$26.22/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricClinton, IADavenport, IA
Median Salary$55,492$54,533
Hourly Rate$26.68$26.22
Entry Level (P10)$46,185$46,351
25th Percentile$50,544$50,212
75th Percentile$65,212$60,811
Top Earner (P90)$75,269$67,842
Total Employed630
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Clinton ($55,492) and Davenport ($54,533) athletic trainer salaries.ClintonDavenportMedian Salary$55,492$54,533Entry Level (P10)$46,185$46,351Top Earner (P90)$75,269$67,842US Median $65,415

Verdict

Clinton, IA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.

The salary gap between Clinton and Davenport is $959 (1.76%). Clinton's median is -15.17% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clinton spans $29,084,Davenport spans $21,491. Clinton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Clinton
P10 (Entry)$46,185
P25$50,544
Median$55,492
P75$65,212
P90 (Top)$75,269
Davenport
P10 (Entry)$46,351
P25$50,212
Median$54,533
P75$60,811
P90 (Top)$67,842

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Clinton ($61,385 effective) pays 0.27% more than Davenport ($61,219 effective).

Clinton
Nominal: $55,492
CoL Index: 90.4
Adjusted: $61,385
Davenport
Nominal: $54,533
CoL Index: 89.079
Adjusted: $61,219

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Clinton if…

  • Higher median salary ($55,492/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($75,269)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,385)
  • You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle

Choose Davenport if…

  • Larger job market (30 employed)
  • You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Clinton grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Davenport over the same period.

Clinton, IA

+20.2%

$44,112 (2024) → $53,036 (2025)

Davenport, IA

+12.4%

$46,350 (2021) → $52,120 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Clinton or Davenport?

Clinton has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $55,492/year, compared to Davenport at $54,533/year — a difference of $959 (1.76%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Clinton and Davenport?

Clinton athletic trainers earn $26.68/hr while Davenport hygienists earn $26.22/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Clinton to Davenport as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Clinton and Davenport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Clinton = $61,385, Davenport = $61,219), job availability (6 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Clinton vs Davenport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $46,185 in Clinton and $46,351 in Davenport. The Davenport area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gomez, MS, ATCData verified by David Kim, BS, ATC

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