Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Sioux City, IA: $82,268 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Sioux City, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,268/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Sioux City's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $91,004 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sioux City, IA, experienced athletic trainers, particularly those at the senior level, can anticipate substantial earning potential, with the top earners in 2026 projected to make $82,268 annually. This impressive salary reflects a significant experience premium when compared to the median salary of $59,562, highlighting the benefits of years spent honing skills in the field. Achieving such a high salary typically involves positioning oneself in specialized areas such as professional sports or collegiate athletic programs, where the demand for expertise is greatest. Moreover, to reach these top-tier pay levels, an athletic trainer must not only possess advanced credentials but also demonstrate a proven track record of successful injury prevention, rehabilitation, and player support.
About the Sioux City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sioux City
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Sioux City earn between $69,987 and $82,268 per year (2026 est.). This $36,874 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Sioux City median of $59,562 sits 8.95% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Sioux City | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $59,562 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,987 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $82,268 | $92,870 |
In Sioux City, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 38.12% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Sioux City
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $59,562 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Sioux City employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Sioux City command premium compensation, often reaching the $69,987–$82,268 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Sioux City 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 Sioux City 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 Sioux City
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSioux City ranks #5 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $82,268).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Sioux City ($82,268) is 8.21% above the Iowa average P90 ($76,028).
2019 BLS Actual
$65,083
2025 BLS Actual
$78,628
2026 Current Est.
$82,268
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Sioux City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,083 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,156 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,484 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,096 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,435 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,269 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,628 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,268 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,078 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Sioux City saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $65,083 in 2019 to $78,628 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 $86,078 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux 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.
Maximizing Your Athletic Trainer Earnings in Sioux City
A variety of factors influence senior athletic trainer pay in Sioux City, especially the specialization within the field and the type of employer. For instance, athletic trainers focusing on professional sports often find themselves at the higher end of the salary spectrum compared to their counterparts in secondary education or outpatient clinics. Colleges and universities may also offer competitive compensation, particularly at the NCAA Division I level. Career advancement opportunities, like becoming a head athletic trainer or assuming leadership roles in collegiate athletics or industry-related positions such as industrial athletic training, can further enhance earnings potential. Attaining advanced certifications and maintaining a state license are vital, especially after the transition to requiring a master's degree as of 2022. Additionally, factors like work setting and contract type contribute significantly to non-salary compensation, leading to variations in the overall financial package for experienced athletic trainers in the area.
More salary data for Sioux City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Sioux City in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Sioux City?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Sioux City?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Sioux City?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Sioux City?
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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 $78,628 for athletic trainers in the Sioux City 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 Sioux City 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