Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Des Moines, IA: $74,873 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Des Moines, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $74,873/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $81,649 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior athletic trainers in Des Moines, Iowa, can expect to see compensation figures that reflect their extensive experience, with the potential to earn a top athletic trainer salary reaching up to $74,873 in 2026. This positions Des Moines's highest salaries notably lower than the national average of $65,415, reflecting a significant gap that exists even among seasoned professionals. With a median annual salary of $52,430, those at the P90 level are achieving a premium that underscores the value of specialized skills and advanced experience. To reach these upper echelons of pay, athletic trainers typically need at least seven years of experience along with advanced certifications, including the BOC ATC credential, and potentially a master’s degree, as the profession has shifted to requiring higher education since 2022.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $66,199 and $74,873 per year (2026 est.). This $24,473 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $52,430 sits 19.85% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $52,430 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,199 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $74,873 | $92,870 |
In Des Moines, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 42.81% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $52,430 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $66,199–$74,873 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #19 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $74,873).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Des Moines ($74,873) is 1.52% below the Iowa average P90 ($76,028).
2019 BLS Actual
$58,520
2025 BLS Actual
$71,560
2026 Current Est.
$74,873
2019–2027 Growth
+33.9%
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 | $58,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,320 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,873 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,340 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $58,520 in 2019 to $71,560 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 $78,340 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Athletic Trainer Earnings in Des Moines
In Des Moines, premium pay for experienced athletic trainers is often linked to specific specializations that command higher salaries, such as work with professional sports teams, NCAA Division I institutions, and industrial settings. These domains typically offer more lucrative compensation compared to secondary schools or outpatient clinics. For senior athletic trainers, the type of employer can significantly influence pay scales: positions with professional sports franchises tend to provide the highest remuneration, while industrial and occupational health roles often yield 30-50% more than traditional school settings. Advancement opportunities also abound; experienced trainers can ascend to roles like head athletic trainer for colleges, administrative positions in sports medicine, or even consulting roles in industrial settings. Moreover, having advanced credentials beyond the required master's degree, such as specialty certifications from the NATA, can further enhance earning potential in this dynamic region of Iowa.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Des Moines?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Des Moines?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time 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
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 $71,560 for athletic trainers in the Des Moines 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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