Athletic Trainer Salary in Des Moines, WA: $69,605 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Des Moines, WA earns a median $69,605/year (≈ $33.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $64,809 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer salary in Des Moines, WA, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $69,605, a notable increase that reflects recent changes in the profession's educational requirements. Since 2022, all aspiring athletic trainers must possess a master’s degree, which has reshaped entry-level compensation strategies in the field. The projected salary range here runs from $54,853 at the 10th percentile to $96,260 at the 90th percentile, indicating variability depending on experience and specific job settings. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, highlighting the competitive nature of the local market for athletic trainers.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,853 | $26.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,678 | $29.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,605 | $33.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,381 | $39.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,260 | $46.28 |
Median Salary Position
6.41% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, WA, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,407 (2026 est.). At $69,605, the local median is 6.41% above the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $69,605/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $70,237 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | +6.41% more |
Athletic Trainers in Des Moines, WA earn a median of $69,605 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.41% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $70,237.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,605 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,809 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,543
2025 BLS Actual
$66,525
2026 Current Est.
$69,605
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,543 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,054 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,522 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,289 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,641 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,101 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,525 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,605 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,828 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $51,543 (2019) to $66,525 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,828 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,285 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,853 – $61,678 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,678 – $69,605 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,605 – $82,381 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,381 – $96,260 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Des Moines
A total of seven athletic trainers currently work in the Des Moines area, indicating a tight job market that can impact salary negotiations. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, professionals in this region may find their take-home purchasing power slightly constrained compared to national averages. Among local employers, those in professional sports settings tend to offer higher compensation, while secondary school positions usually provide lower pay. The variance in salaries can be attributed to factors such as the work environment, types of contracts offered, and additional responsibilities, including evening or weekend event coverage. Athletic trainers can enhance their earning potential by seeking roles in industrial settings, which often pay significantly more than traditional sports environments. Gaining certifications like CSCS or OCS-AT can also provide an edge in securing higher compensation in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Des Moines, WA in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Des Moines?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $66,525 for athletic trainersin the Des Moines metropolitan area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Moines 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