Personal Care & Fitness Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Athletic Trainer Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median athletic trainer salary in Des Moines, IA is $49,533 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$49,533
vs State Avg
+$1,615
vs National
$-4,307
Cost of Living
92%

Athletic Trainer Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median athletic trainer salary of $49,533, which is $1,615 above the Iowa state average of $47,918. Compared to the national median of $53,840, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for athletic trainers in Des Moines spans from $31,280 at the 10th percentile to $75,440 at the 90th percentile — a $44,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,120, while senior athletic trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $71,760. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $33,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,120
$-2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,600
$-4,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $31,280
25th Percentile $38,640
Median (50th) $49,533
75th Percentile $62,560
90th Percentile $75,440

Athletic Trainer Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$51,148
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$47,379
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$46,302
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$45,226
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Des Moines

Education

Most athletic trainer positions require a bachelor's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Injury AssessmentRehabilitationTaping/BracingEmergency CareExercise ScienceCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, athletic trainer employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Athletic Trainer Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open athletic trainer positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median athletic trainer salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $49,533 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $31,280 (10th percentile) to $75,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,533, a athletic trainer in Des Moines earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for athletic trainer pay? ▼
Des Moines's median athletic trainer salary of $49,533 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $47,918. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a athletic trainer salary of $49,533 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a athletic trainer in Des Moines? ▼
Most athletic trainer positions in Des Moines require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Injury Assessment, Rehabilitation, Taping/Bracing, Emergency Care. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.