Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Des Moines, WA: $54,853 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Des Moines, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,853 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,074 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,605) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting athletic trainer salary in Des Moines, WA, is projected to be $54,853, which is considerably lower than the overall median salary for the city of $69,605. For new graduates just beginning their careers, the entry-level pay may feel modest, but there is a clear pathway for growth within the profession—early-career professionals can expect to reach the 25th percentile salary of $61,678 within a few years. Given the growth rate of 4.63%, new athletic trainers entering this market should be optimistic about their earning potential and the opportunities available in Des Moines. The city currently offers a favorable environment for athletic training professionals, with an increasing number of job openings in various settings, including schools and healthcare facilities.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
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 Des Moines
Entry-level athletic trainers in Des Moines, WA typically start between $54,853 and $61,678 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,407 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,605 — 6.41% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Washington of $65,000 represents just 118.50% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($54,853/year) in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $54,853 to $61,678, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines's moderate 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 Des Moines is $41,407 ( 75.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,853, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,260.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,058
2025 BLS Actual
$52,426
2026 Current Est.
$54,853
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,058 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,886 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,217 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,166 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,985 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,444 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,426 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,853 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,393 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, WA grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,058 in 2019 to $52,426 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,393. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
New graduates seeking their first position as athletic trainers in Des Moines will find ample opportunities across different sectors. Many entry-level roles are found in high school athletic training programs, often outsourced through partnerships with local hospitals or clinics. Additionally, industrial settings like manufacturing and distribution centers increasingly recruit athletic trainers, offering salaries that can be 30-50% higher than those in traditional sports roles, primarily due to the added responsibilities and demands of workplace health. Credentials play a significant role in determining starting pay; graduates from CAATE-accredited programs who attain the BOC certification and state licensure are better positioned to negotiate higher salaries. For those embarking on their first 1-3 years in this profession, strategizing for positions that offer on-the-job training and mentorship through organizations like NATA will enhance their skillset and career progression.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
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 Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Moines 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