Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Cedar Rapids, IA: $27.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Cedar Rapids, IA runs $27.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,981 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Cedar Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.0, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,185 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cedar Rapids, the projected athletic trainer hourly pay for 2026 stands at $27.39. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $31.45, which may influence the local workforce's dynamics. For athletic trainers working part-time, such as those employed three days a week, this translates to a reliable income while balancing other responsibilities, potentially drawing about $21,000 annually from 24 hours of work. Per-diem opportunities, common in settings like high school athletic training rooms and college facilities, can yield a varied income, as hourly rates span from $24.35 for entry-level positions to $31.32 for experienced trainers. These projections, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlight how athletic trainers in Cedar Rapids navigate a competitive job market while delivering crucial healthcare to athletes across multiple environments.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.35 | $194.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.90 | $207.17 |
| Median (P50) | $27.39 | $219.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.32 | $250.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.32 | $250.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cedar Rapids
Based on $27.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.39/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cedar Rapids, IA can expect to earn approximately $56,976 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,871. With a cost-of-living index of 88.96 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cedar Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cedar Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,095.69 | $4,748 | $56,976 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $657.41 | $2,849 | $34,185 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $438.27 | $1,899 | $22,790 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Cedar Rapids) | $27.39 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Athletic Trainers in Cedar Rapids, IA earn a median of $56,981 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.89% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 3.60% below the Iowa state average of $59,109.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.39/hr = $34,185/year (purchasing power: $38,427).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,976/year (purchasing power: $64,044).
CoL index: 88.963 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.7%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Cedar Rapids grew 6.6% from $24.55/hr (2019) to $26.18/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.66/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Athletic Trainer in Cedar Rapids
Examining the financial landscape for athletic trainers in Cedar Rapids provides insight into earning potential based on working arrangements. A part-time athletic trainer clocking in at 24 hours weekly might see their annual earnings fall significantly short of their full-time counterparts, who typically stabilize their income at a more substantial level. The per-diem athletic trainer pay in Cedar Rapids varies greatly; game coverage is often compensated at $200 to $500 per event, while industrial settings can afford higher rates of $50 to $80 per hour, particularly attractive to those transitioning from the traditional sports environment to industrial or occupational health venues. As trainers evaluate hourly compensation, they may face the decision between higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower pay with health insurance. Negotiating contracts effectively can be key, especially understanding local trends in secondary schools, universities, and military environments, which offer unique opportunities and rewards within the industry.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for athletic trainers in Cedar Rapids. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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