Athletic Trainer Salary in Ankeny, IA: $57,469 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Ankeny, IA earns a median $57,469/year (≈ $27.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Ankeny's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $63,572 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ankeny, Iowa, an athletic trainer can expect to earn a median annual salary of $57,469 in 2026, a figure that reflects the unique dynamics of the local job market and cost of living. The salary range spans from $45,108 at the 10th percentile to $82,964 at the 90th percentile, emphasizing the variations in pay based on the work setting and responsibilities. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, underscoring the local market's conditions. Ankeny's educational institutions and industrial sectors create demand for athletic trainers, presenting opportunities that can influence compensation and the scope of work available in the area.
About the Ankeny Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,108 | $21.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,861 | $24.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,469 | $27.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,856 | $33.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,964 | $39.88 |
Median Salary Position
12.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ankeny
In Ankeny, IA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,856 (2026 est.). At $57,469, the local median is 12.15% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ankeny: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ankeny Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Ankeny median: $57,469/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ankeny Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $59,125 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -12.15% less |
Athletic Trainers in Ankeny, IA earn a median of $57,469 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.15% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.80% below the Iowa state average of $59,125.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ankeny has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ankeny, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $57,469 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,572 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,556
2025 BLS Actual
$54,926
2026 Current Est.
$57,469
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Ankeny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,556 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,804 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,539 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,300 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,894 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,683 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,926 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,469 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,130 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ankeny metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $42,556 (2019) to $54,926 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,130 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,574 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ankeny 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,108 – $50,861 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,861 – $57,469 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,469 – $69,856 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,856 – $82,964 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Ankeny
The local job market for athletic trainers shows a firm presence with 16 professionals currently employed in Ankeny, IA. The cost of living index of 90.4 indicates that the purchasing power for athletic trainers is relatively strong, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle despite a median salary that sits below the national average. Employers across diverse sectors, including secondary schools, colleges, and industrial health settings such as Toyota and FedEx, can offer varied compensation. The higher salaries typically stem from year-round contracts found in industrial or professional sports settings compared to the seasonal agreements of high school athletic trainers. To maximize pay, aspiring professionals should consider obtaining certifications beyond the basic requirements, seek roles in higher-paying sectors, and advocate for additional stipends tied to evening or weekend duty, thereby enhancing their earning potential in Ankeny.
More salary data for Ankeny, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $54,926 for athletic trainersin the Ankeny metropolitan area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ankeny 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