Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Burlington, IA: $76,104 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $76,104/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $84,186 in average-cost America. The 34% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, seasoned athletic trainers can achieve significant financial success, with the top 10% of earners projected to receive an impressive annual salary of $76,104 in 2026. The median salary in the area is projected at $56,781, highlighting a substantial gap that underscores the experience premium available to those who advance their careers. Reaching this top-tier pay level often requires not just years of experience, typically over seven years, but also specialization, leadership roles, and perhaps a transition into areas such as professional or collegiate athletics. The potential for growth exists in Burlington’s evolving market, particularly as the demand for qualified athletic trainers continues to rise, even as the median salary lags approximately 13.20% behind the national average of $65,415.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $66,161 and $76,104 per year (2026 est.). This $29,921 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $56,781 sits 13.2% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $56,781 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,161 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $76,104 | $92,870 |
In Burlington, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 34.03% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $56,781 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $66,161–$76,104 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced athletic trainers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured athletic trainers in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Athletic Trainers in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Athletic Trainer Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #15 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $76,104).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Burlington ($76,104) is 0.1% above the Iowa average P90 ($76,028).
2019 BLS Actual
$60,206
2025 BLS Actual
$72,736
2026 Current Est.
$76,104
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,206 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,124 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,427 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,919 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,082 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,486 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,736 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,104 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,627 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $60,206 in 2019 to $72,736 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $79,627 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Athletic Trainer Earnings in Burlington
The path to senior athletic trainer pay in IA varies considerably depending on the setting. Specializations that command higher compensation include working with professional sports teams, Division I college programs, and even emerging fields like industrial and ergonomic health. Within Burlington, compensation is significantly higher in professional environments compared to secondary school positions. Advanced leadership roles, such as head athletic trainer at a college or professional team, or positions within NATA leadership, provide avenues for increased earning potential. Credentialing also plays a vital role; athletic trainers with a master's degree, ATC certification, and additional specialties like CSCS or OCS-AT are well-equipped to secure top salaries. Additionally, non-salary compensation factors, including the nature of contracts and stipends for evening events, can create opportunities for further financial benefits, especially for those in high-demand roles in Burlington's athletic training community.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Burlington?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Burlington?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $72,736 for athletic trainers in the Burlington metro area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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