Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Des Moines, WA: $33.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Des Moines, WA runs $33.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,605 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 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,759 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For athletic trainers in Des Moines, Washington, the projected hourly pay stands at $33.46 in 2026, notably higher than the national median of $31.45. This competitive rate opens various opportunities for part-time and per-diem roles, allowing professionals to work in environments such as high school training rooms, collegiate athletic facilities, and industrial clinics. Those employed in these diverse settings can earn between $26.37 and $46.28 per hour, reflecting a substantial range from entry-level positions to seasoned experts. Hourly rates derived from annual salary projections indicate that athletic trainers in Des Moines benefit from the region's robust demand, supporting a favorable compensation structure for those in the profession.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.37 | $210.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.65 | $237.22 |
| Median (P50) | $33.46 | $267.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.60 | $316.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.28 | $370.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $33.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.46/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, WA can expect to earn approximately $69,598 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,153. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,338.43 | $5,800 | $69,598 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $803.06 | $3,480 | $41,759 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $535.37 | $2,320 | $27,839 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Des Moines) | $33.46 |
| 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, WA earn a median of $69,605 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.41% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $70,237.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.46/hr = $41,759/year (purchasing power: $38,882).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,598/year (purchasing power: $64,803).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
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 | $24.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Des Moines grew 29.1% from $24.78/hr (2019) to $31.98/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.01/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
Considering the earnings potential, a part-time athletic trainer working three days a week, roughly 24 hours, could receive around $40,000 annually, which can be a respectable income while allowing for schedule flexibility. In per-diem roles, payments can fluctuate widely; for instance, event coverage typically offers between $200 and $500 per game, while industrial athletic trainers servicing large firms like Boeing may command rates of $50 to $80 per hour. The disparity in hourly earnings across different employers—ranging from high schools to professional sports organizations—highlights the unique dynamics inherent in the industry. While some athletic trainers may opt for positions that offer lower hourly pay but include health benefits, others prioritize higher pay rates, forgoing benefits as a trade-off. For those negotiating within Des Moines, it’s advisable to research local market rates and be ready to discuss the benefits of experience and specialized certifications from institutions like NATA and BOC, especially as the profession transitions to requiring a master's degree.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
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
Salary data for 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