Des Moines vs Waterloo: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Des Moines, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,430 | $57,553▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.21 | $27.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,400▲ | $45,306 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,436▲ | $51,034 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,199 | $68,708▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,873 | $81,299▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Waterloo, IA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Waterloo is $5,123 (9.77%). Waterloo's median is -12.02% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $24,473,Waterloo spans $35,993. Waterloo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waterloo ($63,665 effective) pays 11.35% 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 Des Moines if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,553/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,299)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,665)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Des Moines grew 16.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$43,030 (2019) → $50,110 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$42,320 (2019) → $55,006 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Des Moines or Waterloo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Waterloo?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Waterloo as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Des Moines vs Waterloo?
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