Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Burlington, IA: $46,183 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Burlington, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,183 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,087 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,781) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates aiming to start their careers as athletic trainers in Burlington, IA, the entry-level salaries present a realistic yet promising outlook. In 2026, individuals entering the field can expect a starting pay around $46,183, which is notably below the city’s median annual salary of $56,781. However, as new athletic trainers gain experience, they can anticipate their salaries to grow progressively, moving from the entry-level threshold to approximately $51,117 within a few years, eventually nearing the median salary. Given the growth trajectory in Burlington, with a projected annual increase of 4.63%, the local market shows sufficient potential for new grads to establish themselves in their profession while developing skills that could lead to greater financial rewards in the future.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Entry-level athletic trainers in Burlington, IA typically start between $46,183 and $51,117 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,921 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,781 — 13.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Iowa of $55,000 represents just 119.09% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($46,183/year) in Burlington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAATE-accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institutions; the BOC certification exam is required after graduation for practice.
AT, ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $46,183 to $51,117, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the athletic training field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Athletic Trainer Compensation Range
The athletic trainer wage spread in Burlington is $29,921 ( 64.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,183, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,104.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,675
2025 BLS Actual
$44,139
2026 Current Est.
$46,183
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,675 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,214 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,343 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,558 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,875 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,139 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,183 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,321 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, IA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,675 in 2019 to $44,139 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,321. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Starting Your athletic training Career in Burlington
In Burlington, various organizations provide employment opportunities for new athletic trainers, including high school athletic services, which often hire entry-level professionals through partnerships with local hospitals. These positions are typically the most accessible for recent graduates. Additionally, jobs in industrial settings, such as factories or distribution centers, present lucrative options, often paying 30-50% more than traditional school roles. To improve starting pay, it is essential to have a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, achieve the ATC credential from the BOC exam, and obtain a state AT license. Further credentials, such as specialty certifications like CSCS, can also bolster marketability. In the first one to three years in this field, those who focus on gaining practical experience, networking through NATA, and exploring diverse job sectors may find themselves on a faster track to competitive salaries that align more closely with the national average of $65,415.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new athletic training graduates. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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