Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $50,651 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Cedar Rapids, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,651 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cedar Rapids's local price level (BEA RPP 89.0 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,935 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,981) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Cedar Rapids presents a promising environment for recent graduates entering the athletic training field, especially considering the projected median annual salary for 2026 of $56,981. For those starting their careers, expected pay will be around $50,651, leaving a gap that reflects the potential for growth as they gain experience. Over the first few years, new athletic trainers can realistically aspire to earn between $53,853 at the 25th percentile and eventually reach the median salary, illustrating a solid growth trajectory in this sector. Given the local median pay, Cedar Rapids proves to be a reasonable market for new professionals, encouraging recent graduates to pursue opportunities in this region.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cedar Rapids
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 Cedar Rapids
Entry-level athletic trainers in Cedar Rapids, IA typically start between $50,651 and $53,853 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $14,481 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,981 — 12.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Iowa of $55,000 represents just 108.59% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($50,651/year) in Cedar Rapids. 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 Cedar Rapids
- 1Research the Cedar Rapids market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $50,651 to $53,853, 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 Cedar Rapids, 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 Cedar Rapids for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cedar Rapids'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 Cedar Rapids is $14,481 ( 28.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,651, experienced hygienists can earn up to $65,132.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,610
2025 BLS Actual
$48,410
2026 Current Est.
$50,651
2019–2027 Growth
+44.8%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,610 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,859 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,386 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,651 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,997 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Cedar Rapids, IA grew 32.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,610 in 2019 to $48,410 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,997. New graduates entering the Cedar Rapids job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids
Identifying key employers that actively recruit new graduates is vital for setting career strategies in Cedar Rapids. High school athletic training services, often linked to hospital sports medicine programs, are major hiring players for entry-level positions. However, those looking to boost their starting salaries may find better prospects in industrial or occupational settings like factories and distribution centers, which typically offer pay 30-50% higher than traditional school-based roles. To optimize their earning potential, new athletic trainers should focus on obtaining the necessary credentials: a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam to earn the ATC credential, and obtaining state licensure. Engaging in ongoing education and considering specialty certifications can further enhance prospects in the rapidly evolving market. Within the first few years, a realistic salary trajectory could place these professionals closer to the higher end of the market range, especially if they have gained experience and specialized skills.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, 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 Cedar Rapids. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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