Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in North Liberty, IA: $26.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in North Liberty, IA runs $26.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,767 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against North Liberty's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,454 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the athletic trainer hourly pay in North Liberty, Iowa, stands at $26.81, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $31.45. This hourly rate reflects the realities of diverse employment settings, such as high school athletic training rooms, college facilities, and industrial clinics. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to a stable income while allowing for flexibility. This category sees a range of hourly pay from $21.09 at entry-level positions to $36.62 for top earners. These figures are based on annual salary projections, but they can provide a foundational understanding of what to expect on an hourly basis as an athletic trainer in North Liberty.
About the North Liberty 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) | $21.09 | $168.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.19 | $201.56 |
| Median (P50) | $26.81 | $214.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.66 | $253.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.62 | $292.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Liberty
Based on $26.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.81/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Liberty, IA can expect to earn approximately $55,757 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,167. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Liberty.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Liberty
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,072.25 | $4,646 | $55,757 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $643.35 | $2,788 | $33,454 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $428.90 | $1,859 | $22,303 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (North Liberty) | $26.81 |
| 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 North Liberty, IA earn a median of $55,767 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.75% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 5.70% below the Iowa state average of $59,138.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.81/hr = $33,454/year (purchasing power: $37,007).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,757/year (purchasing power: $61,678).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in North Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in North Liberty grew 29.1% from $19.85/hr (2019) to $25.62/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.05/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 North Liberty 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 North Liberty
Examining part-time earnings for an athletic trainer working 24 hours a week reveals the practical financial aspect of this career. While full-time positions might offer more stability, part-time roles can still yield a commendable annual income. Per diem athletic trainer pay in North Liberty varies widely, with game coverage fetching between $200 and $500 per event, while industrial settings might see contracts bill at $50 to $80 per hour, offering attractive financial incentives for those willing to seek active work placements. Hourly compensation can also differ greatly depending on the employing organization; schools typically pay less compared to colleges or professional teams, which might offer bonus stipends during high-profile events. Athletic trainers often weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly wages in freelance or contracting roles, which may not include such perks. When negotiating pay rates, local industry standards should be kept in mind, along with the value of specialized skills that newer trainers, following the master's transition initiated in 2022, may possess.
More salary data for North Liberty, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in North Liberty in 2026?
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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 North Liberty. 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 North Liberty 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