Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $76,901 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Marshalltown, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $76,901/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Marshalltown's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $85,067 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Athletic trainers in Marshalltown, IA, with extensive experience can expect substantial compensation, particularly as they roster toward high-tier positions. Projected for 2026, seasoned professionals can achieve an annual salary up to $76,901, reflecting a significant opportunity for growth compared to the median salary of $56,321. This experience premium, where the top earners greatly exceed the median, illustrates the advantages of specialization and the length of one's career in the field. To reach these elevated compensation levels, professionals typically pursue advanced roles and specialized certifications that align with the demands of elite sporting environments or healthcare sectors.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Marshalltown earn between $66,228 and $76,901 per year (2026 est.). This $31,304 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Marshalltown median of $56,321 sits 13.9% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Marshalltown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $56,321 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,228 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $76,901 | $92,870 |
In Marshalltown, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 36.54% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Marshalltown
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $56,321 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Marshalltown employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Marshalltown command premium compensation, often reaching the $66,228–$76,901 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Marshalltown metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced athletic trainers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured athletic trainers in Marshalltown with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Athletic Trainers in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Athletic Trainer Career & Wage Growth Path in Marshalltown
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMarshalltown ranks #13 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $76,901).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Marshalltown ($76,901) is 1.15% above the Iowa average P90 ($76,028).
2019 BLS Actual
$60,837
2025 BLS Actual
$73,498
2026 Current Est.
$76,901
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,837 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,775 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,081 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,588 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,774 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,096 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,498 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,901 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,461 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Marshalltown saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $60,837 in 2019 to $73,498 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $80,461 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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.
Maximizing Your Athletic Trainer Earnings in Marshalltown
In Marshalltown, various specializations in athletic training command premium pay, particularly in fields such as professional sports, performing arts medicine, and industrial or ergonomic health. Senior athletic trainers aligning with professional teams or leading athletic training programs at major universities often receive compensation that surpasses their counterparts in secondary education or outpatient clinic settings. The disparity is also influenced by employer type, with positions in military or occupational health often offering higher salaries than those in high school athletic training roles. Leadership opportunities abound, taking individuals into positions such as head athletic trainer at colleges or professional teams, associate positions in Administration for Sports Medicine, or even leadership roles within organizations like the NATA. Amid these advancements, specialized credentials and the recent transition to a master’s degree requirement as of 2022 can significantly enhance one's salary, especially when complemented by additional certifications, such as the BOC national exam and state licenses. In Marshalltown's athletic training sector, the timing, type of employment, and level of responsibility all play vital roles in determining comprehensive compensation.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Marshalltown in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Marshalltown?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Marshalltown?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Marshalltown?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Marshalltown?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $73,498 for athletic trainers in the Marshalltown metro area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marshalltown 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