Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Iowa City, IA: $31.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Iowa City, IA runs $31.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,561 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Iowa City's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,343 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Iowa City, the athletic trainer hourly pay stands at a median of $31.53, slightly higher than the national median of $31.45. This competitive rate provides ample opportunities for both full-time professionals and part-time workers looking to balance their schedules. For those working three days a week, the flexibility allows them to engage in various environments such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and even clinical settings. The hourly wage range for athletic trainers in this area starts at around $24.92 for entry-level positions, extending up to $46.19 for top earners. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data reflects the increasing demand for athletic trainers in diverse contexts, accentuating the profession's vital role in promoting athletic health and managing injuries.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.92 | $199.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.02 | $208.17 |
| Median (P50) | $31.53 | $252.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.71 | $253.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.19 | $369.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Iowa City
Based on $31.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.53/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Iowa City, IA can expect to earn approximately $65,572 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,830. With a cost-of-living index of 91.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Iowa City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Iowa City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,261.00 | $5,464 | $65,572 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $756.60 | $3,279 | $39,343 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $504.40 | $2,186 | $26,229 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Iowa City) | $31.53 |
| 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 Iowa City, IA earn a median of $65,561 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.22% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 10.90% above the Iowa state average of $59,117.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.53/hr = $39,343/year (purchasing power: $42,994).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,572/year (purchasing power: $71,656).
CoL index: 91.509 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Iowa City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Iowa City grew 30.9% from $23.02/hr (2019) to $30.13/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.98/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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City
When analyzing the part-time earning potential for an athletic trainer working 24 hours a week, they may take home an annual income that reflects the realities of this profession, typically translating to a manageable but limited financial landscape compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem positions, particularly in high-stakes environments such as colleges or professional sports events, often offer game coverage bonuses between $200 and $500 per event, creating an attractive alternative for those who prefer flexible work arrangements. The hourly compensation can differ markedly depending on employer type; secondary schools may offer lower wages, while industrial health roles in settings like Toyota or Boeing tend to provide significantly higher rates, ranging from $50 to $80 per hour. While some athletic trainers might choose roles that appear less lucrative on an hourly basis, they may also provide health insurance benefits that can offset the overall remuneration package. Negotiating for better pay in Iowa City could involve highlighting specialized skills, considering the trade-offs of benefits, and showcasing market demand.
More salary data for Iowa City, 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 Iowa City. 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, 4-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