Athletic Trainer Salary in Waukee, IA: $56,577 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Waukee, IA earns a median $56,577/year (≈ $27.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Waukee's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $62,585 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukee, Iowa, the projected salary for athletic trainers in 2026 is $56,577. This figure represents a competitive earnings opportunity within the state, particularly against the highest range of earnings, which reaches up to $73,498 at the 90th percentile. The annual pay can vary significantly, starting as low as $45,663 at the 10th percentile. Overall, these estimates are based on BLS state-level data and take into account regional cost adjustments, providing a clearer picture of what athletic trainers can expect. For those weighing job opportunities in the area, the balance between roles at high schools versus those in industrial settings may influence compensation potential, with industrial opportunities often commanding higher pay.
About the Waukee Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,663 | $21.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,675 | $24.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,577 | $27.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,480 | $31.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,498 | $35.33 |
Median Salary Position
13.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukee
In Waukee, IA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,835 (2026 est.). At $56,577, the local median is 13.51% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukee Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Waukee median: $56,577/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $59,119 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -13.51% less |
Athletic Trainers in Waukee, IA earn a median of $56,577 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.51% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $59,119.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukee 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.
Waukee, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $56,577 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,585 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,895
2025 BLS Actual
$54,073
2026 Current Est.
$56,577
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,895 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,123 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,878 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,566 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,103 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,974 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,073 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,577 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,196 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukee metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $41,895 (2019) to $54,073 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,196 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,301 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukee 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) | $45,663 – $50,675 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,675 – $56,577 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,577 – $64,480 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,480 – $73,498 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Waukee
The job market for athletic trainers in Waukee includes only four professionals currently employed in the field. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, individuals in this area find that their salaries stretch further than in many other regions, enhancing their purchasing power. Employers that typically provide higher compensation include secondary schools for athletic training, as well as industrial and occupational health settings with employers like Toyota and Boeing, where wages tend to be more lucrative than typical college or high school roles. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to the scope of responsibilities and the nature of contracts—school-year contracts may offer lower pay compared to year-round positions in industrial settings. Aspiring athletic trainers looking to maximize their earnings in Waukee may want to seek additional certifications—like the CSCS or OCS-AT—as well as explore evening and weekend event stipends, which can further boost overall pay in this competitive market.
More salary data for Waukee, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Waukee?
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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 $54,073 for athletic trainersin the Waukee 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 Waukee 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