Athletic Trainer Salary in Des Moines, IA: $52,430 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Des Moines, IA earns a median $52,430/year (≈ $25.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.7), that paycheck buys what $57,175 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.3% below the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, Iowa, athletic trainers are projected to earn a median annual salary of $52,430 in 2026. This figure places the local pay approximately 19.85% below the national median of $65,415, reflecting significant disparities often influenced by employment settings. The salary range for athletic trainers in the area spans from $50,400 at the lower end (P10) to $74,873 at the higher end (P90). This data is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys and highlights the impact of the local job market, which includes various roles from traditional school athletic training to industrial settings. As such, understanding the various environments in which athletic trainers can work is crucial for those looking to enter the field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,400 | $24.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,436 | $24.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,430 | $25.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,199 | $31.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,873 | $35.99 |
Median Salary Position
19.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, IA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,473 (2026 est.). At $52,430, the local median is 19.85% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Des Moines Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $52,430/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $59,109 | -11.30% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -19.85% less |
Athletic Trainers in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $52,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.85% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 11.30% below the Iowa state average of $59,109.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 8.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 91.701 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $52,430 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,175 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.05% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$43,030
2025 BLS Actual
$50,110
2026 Current Est.
$52,430
2019–2027 Growth
+27.5%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,790 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,430 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,858 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 16.5% from $43,030 (2019) to $50,110 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,858 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,828 (27.49%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,400 – $51,436 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,436 – $52,430 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,430 – $66,199 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,199 – $74,873 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Des Moines
With around 180 athletic trainers employed in Des Moines, the local job market offers both opportunities and challenges. The cost of living index in this region stands at 91.701, indicating that the purchasing power of these salaries is enhanced due to lower living expenses compared to the national average. Employers that tend to pay the highest salaries include colleges and universities, professional sports teams, and industrial health settings. Factors contributing to the differences in pay include considerations such as the work environment—professional athletes generally receive higher compensation than those in educational settings—and the nature of contracts, which may vary from year-round to school-year-only positions. Additionally, advanced certifications and stipends for after-hours events can further differentiate pay rates. For those eager to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Des Moines, acquiring specialized certifications, gaining experience in higher-paying industries, and pursuing leadership roles can significantly influence earning potential.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Des Moines, IA in 2026?
Is Des Moines, IA a good place to work as a athletic trainer?
Can athletic trainers make $100K in Des Moines?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Des Moines?
How much does a athletic trainer make per hour in Des Moines?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
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
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 $50,110 for athletic trainersin the Des Moines 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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