Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Dubuque, IA: $28.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Dubuque, IA runs $28.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,838 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Dubuque's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,909 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dubuque, Iowa, athletic trainers can expect an hourly median pay of $28.77, which falls below the national median of $31.45. This hourly pay structure is particularly relevant for part-time workers, such as those who may operate in high school athletic training rooms or college facilities for only three days a week. For these part-timers, working 24 hours weekly at this rate allows for flexible scheduling while supporting the local athletic community. The hourly range for athletic trainers in Dubuque varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $22.11 and seasoned professionals in specialized settings reaching as high as $40.96 hourly. These projections for 2026 reflect broader trends in the athletic training field, as salaries are typically derived from annual figures.
About the Dubuque Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.11 | $176.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.13 | $201.06 |
| Median (P50) | $28.77 | $230.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.61 | $276.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.96 | $327.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dubuque
Based on $28.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.77/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dubuque, IA can expect to earn approximately $59,848 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,528. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dubuque.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dubuque
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,150.93 | $4,987 | $59,848 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $690.56 | $2,992 | $35,909 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.37 | $1,995 | $23,939 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Dubuque) | $28.77 |
| 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 Dubuque, IA earn a median of $59,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.53% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 1.20% above the Iowa state average of $59,128.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.77/hr = $35,909/year (purchasing power: $39,722).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,848/year (purchasing power: $66,204).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Dubuque grew 29.1% from $21.31/hr (2019) to $27.50/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.11/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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque
Athletic trainers working part-time in Dubuque can earn a respectable income, but it pales in comparison to full-time counterparts. For a part-time trainer working 24 hours a week, the annual income would be approximately $36,000, starkly lower than a full-time athletic trainer who might earn significantly more based on standard work hours. The per diem market paints a diverse picture; events or game coverage can net $200-$500 per occasion, which is an attractive option for those seeking flexibility. Industrial athletic trainers, especially those contracted for occupational health roles, may charge upwards of $50-$80 per hour, showcasing an attractive earning potential in these unique settings. However, many athletic trainers in Dubuque sacrifice higher hourly rates for full-time roles that include health benefits. Emerging professionals must weigh the advantages of stability against the allure of higher pay in per diem and contract roles, particularly given the evolving nature of the field after the 2022 master's transition. Negotiation tips for hourly roles include understanding the local cost of living—currently indexed at 90.4—and assessing employer types ranging from high schools to industrial settings, where appropriate compensation and benefits may differ dramatically.
More salary data for Dubuque, 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
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 Dubuque. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dubuque 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