Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Waterloo, IA: $27.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Waterloo, IA runs $27.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,553 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Waterloo's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,538 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waterloo, Iowa, the 2026 median athletic trainer hourly pay stands at $27.67, significantly lower than the national median of $31.45. This figure indicates that athletic trainers in the area may need to adjust their expectations, particularly if they are considering part-time or per diem opportunities. For those working three days a week, the compensation can be quite different from full-time roles, reflecting the varying environments such as high schools, colleges, professional teams, and industrial clinics. Across the hourly range, entry-level positions start around $21.78 per hour, with more experienced trainers earning up to $39.09, providing a clear pathway for growth within the profession. These figures are derived from BLS data, projecting the realities for those entering the field in the coming years.
About the Waterloo 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) | $21.78 | $174.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.54 | $196.29 |
| Median (P50) | $27.67 | $221.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.03 | $264.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.09 | $312.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterloo
Based on $27.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.67/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterloo, IA can expect to earn approximately $57,563 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,210. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterloo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterloo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,106.99 | $4,797 | $57,563 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $664.19 | $2,878 | $34,538 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $442.79 | $1,919 | $23,025 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Waterloo) | $27.67 |
| 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 Waterloo, IA earn a median of $57,553 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.02% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.70% below the Iowa state average of $59,150.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.67/hr = $34,538/year (purchasing power: $38,206).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,563/year (purchasing power: $63,676).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Waterloo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Waterloo grew 30.0% from $20.35/hr (2019) to $26.45/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.96/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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo
When considering the earning potential for part-time athletic trainers, working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week could lead to an annual income of around $34,500, quite distinct from the earnings of full-time trainers. Per diem athletic trainer pay in Waterloo varies widely, with event coverage rates between $200 and $500, while industrial settings often reward trainers with $50 to $80 per hour, significantly more than those in school settings. The differences in hourly rates across employer types can be substantial; secondary schools usually offer lower wages compared to colleges, professional teams, and industrial health settings like Toyota and Boeing. Athletic trainers sometimes accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, creating a trade-off that many must navigate when considering job offers. Negotiating for a better rate involves understanding the local market and being prepared to discuss how one's qualifications, especially in the context of the recent master's transition in athletic training, can justify a higher pay rate.
More salary data for Waterloo, 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 Waterloo. 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 Waterloo 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