Iowa City vs West Des Moines: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Iowa City, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Iowa City, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,561▲ | $51,753 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.53▲ | $24.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,834▲ | $41,071 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,125▲ | $45,008 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,959▲ | $62,113 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,092▲ | $73,387 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Iowa City and West Des Moines is $13,808 (26.68%). Iowa City's median is +0.22% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Iowa City spans $44,258,West Des Moines spans $32,316. Iowa City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Iowa City ($71,644 effective) pays 25.15% more than West Des Moines ($57,249 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,561/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,092)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,644)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Iowa City grew 30.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Iowa City, IA
$47,890 (2019) → $62,660 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$45,937 (2024) → $49,463 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Iowa City, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Iowa City or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Iowa City and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Iowa City to West Des Moines as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Iowa City vs West Des Moines?
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