Des Moines vs Marion: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Des Moines, IA and Marion, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Marion, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,430 | $58,148▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.21 | $27.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,400▲ | $45,272 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,436▲ | $50,982 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,199 | $68,315▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,873 | $79,368▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Marion, IA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Marion is $5,718 (10.91%). Marion's median is -11.11% 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,Marion spans $34,096. Marion 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, Marion ($64,323 effective) pays 12.50% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marion if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,148/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,368)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,323)
- ✓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 Marion over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$43,030 (2019) → $50,110 (2025)
Marion, IA
$46,223 (2024) → $55,575 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Marion, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Des Moines or Marion?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Marion?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Marion as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Des Moines vs Marion?
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