Athletic Trainer Salary in Urbandale, IA: $56,500 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Urbandale, IA earns a median $56,500/year (≈ $27.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Urbandale's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $62,500 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, athletic trainers in Urbandale, IA, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $56,500, a figure that comes in below the national median of $65,415. The local salary range varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at about $45,972 and top earners potentially making $77,487 annually. These figures are derived from state-level data and take into account regional cost adjustments, reflecting the economic realities of Urbandale. Those considering a career in sports medicine should weigh the benefits of working in a school-year contract against year-round positions, as these options offer different pathways in terms of pay and job stability.
About the Urbandale Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,972 | $22.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,002 | $24.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,500 | $27.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,603 | $32.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,487 | $37.25 |
Median Salary Position
13.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Urbandale
In Urbandale, IA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,515 (2026 est.). At $56,500, the local median is 13.63% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Urbandale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Urbandale Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Urbandale median: $56,500/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Urbandale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $59,163 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -13.63% less |
Athletic Trainers in Urbandale, IA earn a median of $56,500 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.63% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $59,163.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Urbandale 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.
Urbandale, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $56,500 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,500 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,839
2025 BLS Actual
$54,000
2026 Current Est.
$56,500
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Urbandale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,839 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,065 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,821 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,503 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,036 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,914 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,500 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,116 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Urbandale metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $41,839 (2019) to $54,000 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,116 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,277 (41.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Urbandale 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) | $45,972 – $51,002 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,002 – $56,500 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,500 – $66,603 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,603 – $77,487 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Urbandale
In Urbandale, approximately 12 athletic trainers are currently employed, indicating a modest but stable demand in the local job market. The cost-of-living index for the area sits at 90.4, suggesting that take-home salaries can stretch further compared to higher-cost regions. Among potential employers, industrial and occupational health settings, such as those affiliated with Toyota and FedEx, often provide the highest compensation, reflecting a trend where industrial roles tend to pay significantly more than those in high schools or colleges. Factors influencing the disparity in pay include the setting of employment, type of contract, and advanced certifications such as the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). To maximize earning potential in this localized market, athletic trainers should focus on growing their skill set through continuous education and considering positions that offer additional stipends for weekend or evening events.
More salary data for Urbandale, 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 $54,000 for athletic trainersin the Urbandale 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 Urbandale 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