Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in West Des Moines, IA: $24.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in West Des Moines, IA runs $24.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,753 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against West Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,052 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Des Moines, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $24.88, significantly lower than the national median of $31.45. This discrepancy highlights the variations in the profession, particularly for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis across various settings such as high schools, colleges, and outpatient clinics. For instance, working three days a week could provide a part-time athletic trainer with a stable income while allowing flexibility in their schedule. The hourly range for this profession extends from $19.74 for entry-level positions to $35.28 for experienced trainers, reflecting the diversity in roles from high school athletic training to professional sports environments.
About the West Des Moines 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) | $19.74 | $157.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.64 | $173.10 |
| Median (P50) | $24.88 | $199.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.86 | $238.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.28 | $282.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Des Moines
Based on $24.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.88/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $51,753 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,857. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $995.24 | $4,313 | $51,753 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $597.14 | $2,588 | $31,052 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.10 | $1,725 | $20,701 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (West Des Moines) | $24.88 |
| 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 West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $51,753 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.89% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 12.50% below the Iowa state average of $59,146.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.88/hr = $31,052/year (purchasing power: $34,349).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,753/year (purchasing power: $57,248).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in West Des Moines grew 29.1% from $18.42/hr (2019) to $23.78/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.03/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 West 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 West Des Moines
When considering part-time opportunities, a West Des Moines athletic trainer working a 24-hour week would see a different income than a full-time counterpart, impacting their overall earnings and financial stability. Per-diem opportunities often compensate more generously, with event coverage typically yielding $200-$500 per occasion, while agency positions may pay $50-$80 per hour in industrial settings. Athletic trainers in West Des Moines face a varied income landscape depending on their employer; collegiate athletic departments, industrial health facilities, military roles, and outpatient clinics all offer unique compensation packages. Factors such as benefits can greatly influence hourly wage negotiations; some may opt for lower pay to secure health insurance, while others prioritize higher rates. Understanding the dynamics of athletic trainer hourly pay in West Des Moines is crucial for professionals navigating their career paths, especially in light of the recent transition to a master's degree requirement by the NATA.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in West Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in West Des Moines?
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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 West 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
Salary data for West Des Moines 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