Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Fort Dodge, IA: $26.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Fort Dodge, IA runs $26.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,281 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Fort Dodge's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,566 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Dodge, athletic trainers earn a median hourly rate of $26.09, which falls significantly below the national median of $31.45. This discrepancy may impact part-time or per-diem workers, especially those in settings like high school training rooms, colleges, professional sports facilities, and outpatient clinics. For instance, those working part-time at three days a week would typically be working about 24 hours, which translates to a more modest income compared to full-time positions. The hourly pay for athletic trainers in Fort Dodge runs from $21.53 for entry-level positions to $34.27 for the highest earners, based on 2026 estimates derived from 2025 BLS data. Though these figures are not as competitive as in other regions, they reflect the local demand and cost of living indices that are lower than the national average.
About the Fort Dodge 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) | $21.53 | $172.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.66 | $189.25 |
| Median (P50) | $26.09 | $208.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.58 | $244.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.27 | $274.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Dodge
Based on $26.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.09/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Dodge, IA can expect to earn approximately $54,277 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,314. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Dodge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Dodge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,043.79 | $4,523 | $54,277 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $626.27 | $2,714 | $32,566 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $417.52 | $1,809 | $21,711 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Fort Dodge) | $26.09 |
| 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 Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $54,281 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.02% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $59,130.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.09/hr = $32,566/year (purchasing power: $36,025).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,277/year (purchasing power: $60,041).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Fort Dodge grew 29.1% from $19.32/hr (2019) to $24.94/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.30/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 Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge
With the hourly earning potential in mind, part-time athletic trainers who work three days a week can expect to take home around $32,000 annually, which is quite a difference compared to a full-time income. On the other hand, per-diem athletic trainer pay in Fort Dodge can vary widely, with event coverage paying approximately $200 to $500 per occurrence. Industrial athletic trainers often command higher rates, typically billing between $50 and $80 per hour when contracted with major firms like Toyota or FedEx. Moreover, athletic trainers in secondary schools may offer lower pay compared to those in collegiate or professional settings, where compensation can include additional benefits like health insurance. Negotiating for a higher hourly rate might depend on specialized skills or certifications, so for those looking to maximize their earnings in Fort Dodge, understanding the nuances of employer types and workforce demands is key.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, 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 Fort Dodge. 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 Fort Dodge 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