Des Moines vs Fort Dodge: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Des Moines, IA and Fort Dodge, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,430 | $54,281▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.21 | $26.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,400▲ | $44,793 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,436▲ | $49,205 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,199▲ | $63,607 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,873▲ | $71,276 |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Des Moines and Fort Dodge are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Fort Dodge is $1,851 (3.53%). Fort Dodge's median is -17.02% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $24,473,Fort Dodge spans $26,483. Fort Dodge has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Dodge ($60,045 effective) pays 5.02% more than Des Moines ($57,175 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,873)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Dodge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,281/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,045)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Des Moines grew 16.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Fort Dodge over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$43,030 (2019) → $50,110 (2025)
Fort Dodge, IA
$43,150 (2024) → $51,879 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Fort Dodge, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Des Moines or Fort Dodge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Fort Dodge?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Fort Dodge as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Des Moines vs Fort Dodge?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov