Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Muscatine, IA: $26.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Muscatine, IA runs $26.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,229 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Muscatine's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,141 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Muscatine, Iowa, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $26.56, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45. This difference in compensation can impact those who work part-time or on a per-diem basis, as many athletic trainers in the area find employment in high school training rooms, collegiate athletic facilities, or clinics. For example, a trainer working three days a week would take home substantially less than their full-time counterparts. The hourly range for this profession in Muscatine spans from $22.68 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $35.72 for more experienced trainers (90th percentile), illustrating a spectrum that caters to both entry-level practitioners and seasoned professionals.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.68 | $181.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.63 | $197.04 |
| Median (P50) | $26.56 | $212.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.08 | $248.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.72 | $285.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muscatine
Based on $26.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.56/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muscatine, IA can expect to earn approximately $55,235 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,866. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muscatine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muscatine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,062.20 | $4,603 | $55,235 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $637.32 | $2,762 | $33,141 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $424.88 | $1,841 | $22,094 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Muscatine) | $26.56 |
| 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 Muscatine, IA earn a median of $55,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.57% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $59,132.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.56/hr = $33,141/year (purchasing power: $36,660).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,235/year (purchasing power: $61,100).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Muscatine grew 29.1% from $19.66/hr (2019) to $25.38/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.78/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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine
When considering the financial trajectory of athletic trainers, part-time employment typically nets approximately $33,177 annually for those working three days a week compared to a full-time salary. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Muscatine can vary significantly; for instance, event coverage might yield $200 to $500 per game, while contracted positions in industrial settings could bring in $50 to $80 an hour, often surpassing the compensation offered by schools or clinics. Different employer types also influence pay structures. For instance, trainers at colleges and universities may have different benefits and stability compared to those in industrial health roles, which often pay more but might lack comprehensive health insurance. Negotiating hourly rates can be crucial; trainers should consider the trade-off between accepting a higher hourly pay without benefits versus lower pay that includes health coverage, especially in a city like Muscatine that has a cost of living index below the national average.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 Muscatine. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Muscatine 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