Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $25.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Des Moines, IA runs $25.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,430 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,456 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, IA, the athletic trainer hourly pay is marked by a median of $25.21, significantly lower than the national median of $31.45 per hour. This discrepancy reflects the local job market's unique dynamics while offering competitive opportunities for professionals in various settings, including high schools, colleges, and professional sports teams. Those in part-time or per-diem roles will find the hourly pay rate facilitates flexible scheduling. For instance, working three days a week can supplement income effectively, while entry-level positions start around $24.23, progressing to top earners around $35.99 per hour. According to 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data, this hourly structure accommodates various athletic trainers, such as those employed at industrial workplace clinics and military bases, making the profession accessible across a broad spectrum of environments.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.23 | $193.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.72 | $197.79 |
| Median (P50) | $25.21 | $201.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.83 | $254.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.99 | $287.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $25.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.21/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $52,427 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,246. With a cost-of-living index of 91.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,008.21 | $4,369 | $52,427 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $604.93 | $2,621 | $31,456 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $403.29 | $1,748 | $20,971 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Des Moines) | $25.21 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Athletic Trainers in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $52,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.85% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 11.30% below the Iowa state average of $59,109.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.21/hr = $31,456/year (purchasing power: $34,303).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,427/year (purchasing power: $57,172).
CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Des Moines grew 16.4% from $20.69/hr (2019) to $24.09/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.37/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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.
Working as an Hourly Athletic Trainer in Des Moines
Part-time athletic trainers in Des Moines can anticipate varying annual earnings depending on their hours worked. For instance, working 3 days a week at this median rate translates to approximately $31,210 annually, a figure that highlights the earning potential for those seeking flexibility. Conversely, per diem opportunities—common in games or events—might afford athletic trainers significant earnings, with some events compensating between $200 and $500 each. In industrial occupational settings, hourly rates can vary, with contracts between $50 to $80 per hour at large companies like Toyota and Boeing, making these positions lucrative. Different sectors influence these rates; for instance, secondary schools may offer lower pay compared to professional sports teams or outpatient clinics. Athletic trainers often weigh the benefits of positions that come with health insurance against offers with higher hourly rates but fewer benefits. In Des Moines, understanding these nuances and negotiating effectively is crucial for optimizing one's athletic trainer hourly rate IA, especially when determining per diem athletic trainer pay Des Moines.
More salary data for Des Moines, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for athletic trainers in Des Moines. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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