Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $46,706 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Ottumwa, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,706 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ottumwa's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,666 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($55,020) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the athletic training field in Ottumwa, IA, the starting pay can realistically hover around $46,706, which positions entry-level salaries significantly below the city median of $55,020. With a growth trajectory taking them from this entry-level figure toward the 25th percentile at $50,779, and potentially reaching the median in the next few years, aspiring athletic trainers have a clear path for financial advancement. However, it’s essential to understand that while Ottumwa provides opportunities for growth, new grads should be cautious of the 15.89% lower entry-level wages compared with the national median of $65,415 in 2026. This local market offers a modest environment for fresh entrants, but the anticipated annual growth rate of 4.63% in this profession suggests a positive outlook for those willing to invest time and effort into their careers.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ottumwa
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
Entry-level athletic trainers in Ottumwa, IA typically start between $46,706 and $50,779 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,046 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $55,020 — 15.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Iowa of $55,000 represents just 117.76% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($46,706/year) in Ottumwa. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAATE-accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institutions; the BOC certification exam is required after graduation for practice.
AT, ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Ottumwa
- 1Research the Ottumwa market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $46,706 to $50,779, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the athletic training field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ottumwa, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Ottumwa for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ottumwa's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Athletic Trainer Compensation Range
The athletic trainer wage spread in Ottumwa is $27,046 ( 57.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,706, experienced hygienists can earn up to $73,752.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,000
2025 BLS Actual
$44,639
2026 Current Est.
$46,706
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,000 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,556 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,244 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,754 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,006 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,317 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,639 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,706 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,868 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Ottumwa, IA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,000 in 2019 to $44,639 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,868. New graduates entering the Ottumwa job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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.
Starting Your athletic training Career in Ottumwa
In Ottumwa, various employers actively seek out new graduate athletic trainers, particularly in the high school sports sector, where roles are often fulfilled through partnerships with local hospital sports medicine programs. Those interested in working outside the traditional settings may find industrial or occupational positions that frequently offer starting salaries 30-50% higher than those in educational institutions. Graduates should consider pursuing a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, obtaining ATC credentials through the BOC, and securing state licensure to enhance their employability and earning potential. Continuing education and optional certifications, such as the CSCS or OCS-AT, can further elevate starting salaries and job prospects. Within the first three years, employers typically acknowledge experience and credentials, leading to realistic salary increases as new athletic trainers transition into their careers in Ottumwa.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new athletic training graduates. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Ottumwa. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ottumwa 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